Sunday, December 29, 2013

Don't Make it Difficult

  

Acts 15:19  And so my judgment is that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God.

 

 

I just LOVE to cook, and it brings me great joy when my friends and family enjoy the fruits of my labor.  After years of practice, I can prepare my favorite dishes with great ease.  However, I would never expect individuals who do not have much experience in the kitchen or who are unfamiliar with my recipes to recreate my meals without providing them the necessary support and guidance to do so .... including multiple opportunities to practice.  Since I would never want to place unrealistic expectations on these individuals as they are being introduced to a new thing, I would clearly articulate that some of their practice may result in messing up a little .... even having to start all over again at times. I speak from experience. 

Today's scripture references the Apostle Paul's desire to avoid putting obstacles in the way of those who were turning to God.  Paul wanted to keep these new Christians from failing to follow ALL of the Old Testament law ... to keep them from struggling with the high expectations of those who had lots of practice with their Christian walk.

Sometimes, in church, we make it extremely difficult for new Christians ... often by giving them lists of "dos and don'ts." Then, if they aren't able to give up everything on the lists or live up to all of the expectations in ONE WEEK, they often feel like failures and give up completely.

It is important to note that we are ALL a work in PROGRESS. Philippians 1:6 states that "He who began a good work in you will perfect it."  Perfect as used in this sentence is defined as making something completely free from faults or AS CLOSE to such a condition as possible.  Just as I enjoy providing assistance to help others perfect their cooking skills, we should do the same with those we lead to Christ. We should never put overwhelming and sometimes unnecessary requirements on them.  Instead, we should always guide them with patience as The Lord has continued to guide us with His abundant patience and grace. 

My challenge to you today is to always remember how far you have come in your personal walk with The Lord and to recognize that those God has placed in your path may require a little more "practice" to perfect their walk as well.  Don't make it difficult for them ... offer them the same grace that God so generously bestowed upon you.  

Dear Lord,  I thank You for Your patience, Your love, Your grace in my life.  Help me to always respond to others in the way that You have always responded to me.  Never make it difficult for the lost to find You through me.

I also thank You, my Jesus, for dying for me. I believe that You are Lord and that God raised You from the grave so that I can have eternal life.