No, Do It This Way

Daily Reading: Acts 15

Scripture Focus: We should not trouble those of the Gentiles who turn to God. (Acts 15.19)

Devotional Thought: I had served as the district Sunday School Chairman for several years.  I had worked hard on developing my leadership team and our ministry focus.  Then, it was time for me to step aside.  I vividly remember the meeting when I handed over the reins to the next chairman.  I didn't want him to make changes.  I wanted him to do things like I did.  I spoke up, but I quickly realized my mistake.  More than a little embarrassed by my brashness, I quickly excused myself and quietly made my way to the door.  I learned a lesson that day: Don't make trouble!

When new people come into any organization, it is easy for the old guard to feel threatened, to get defensive.  The Church is not immune to this tendency.  And, when conflict between the new and old occurs, there usually are hurt feelings.  It's up to the old guard to be peacemakers.

The early Church needed to learn that lesson.  Some of the old guard were making trouble for non-Jewish Christians.  They were insisting these "newbies" adopt Jewish practices in order to be fully accepted.  Thank God that the leaders of the New Testament Church saw the issue for what it was.  They decided that they were not going to say, "No, do it this way."  Instead, they decided, "We should not trouble ... the Gentiles who turn to God."

I am constantly reminded that today's generation does not "do church" like my generation did.  I can get a little prickly about it if I'm not careful.  Then, I remember something important: "If God wanted things done the same way, he probably would have left me in charge!"

Prayer: Lord, I am reminded how you said, "I am doing a new thing" (Isaiah 43.19).  I am excited about the new things that are even now springing forth.  Help me to perceive them so that I don't cause trouble for those who turn to God.  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 71.9-16

9 Do not cast me off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength is spent.

10 For my enemies speak concerning me; those who watch for my life consult together

11 and say, "God has forsaken him; pursue and seize him, for there is none to deliver him."

12 O God, be not far from me; O my God, make haste to help me!

13 May my accusers be put to shame and consumed; with scorn and disgrace may they be covered who seek my hurt.

14 But I will hope continually and will praise you yet more and more.

15 My mouth will tell of your righteous acts, of your deeds of salvation all the day, for their number is past my knowledge.

16 With the mighty deeds of the Lord GOD I will come; I will remind them of your righteousness, yours alone.