Green Pastures and Still Waters
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In most “man-conversations” the question is usually asked, “What do you do for a living?” In our current culture, our vocation often becomes our identity. The more important question, though it would be difficult to ask, would be, “Who are you becoming?” The question of one’s character is an important one and often goes un-noticed until the lack of it is observed. Character issues are deep and cannot be dealt with at the gym or with more make-up. The most foundational way to get at character improvement is to receive Christ. “If any man is in Christ, he has become a new creation.” But, as we know, a believer still has some work to do. Thankfully, we are not on our own in this journey. It is always disappointing when someone who has claimed to be a Christ-follower does not demonstrate the character of Christ. Before we cast the first stone we should take a look at our own life. How are we doing with the development of our inner life? It’s not complicated to develop the character of Christ, but, that does not mean it is easy. As we study the conclusion of the Jerusalem Council, we’ll see that the reason it went so well was because of the character of those involved. Could we be like them? Does it matter?
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Sometimes my preparation for Sundays is very painful. I’m not asking for sympathy; you should actually thank God with me for the power of His Word. In our return to the Book of Acts, we’re studying the meeting that took place in Jerusalem. Virtually every commentary I read kicked my “you know what.” Here’s the problem, I have fallen prey to the modern (and very American) notion of “efficiency.” I like to get things done. I do not like long meetings. Many times, discussion drives me crazy. I am wrong! There is something more important than the speed and agility of what we accomplish; specifically, the people with whom we accomplish whatever we accomplish. Obviously, there is no virtue in dragging things out for the sake of doing so but the thoughts and opinions of people matter. The main reason for this, as we see in Acts 15, is because consensus brings unity and unity is a theological core value. As God’s people, we are here to glorify Him. At a minimum, this means that we represent Him well. We cannot represent God accurately and be divided. The Father, Son and Holy Spirit are one and if we are to accurately represent Him we must be an answer to the prayer of Jesus in John 17:21. I’m sorry for the slowness of my growth in these things. Old wiring is hard to re-do. You probably already know this but these truths apply in many contexts and we would do well to meditate on James 3:13-18 and Colossians 3:12-17. It appears James and Paul both profited greatly from the tension of those meetings in Jerusalem and they passed along their “findings” to the rest of us. Pray for me, I have some bandages to change.