Devotion:
Read Galatians 2:11-20.
Sometimes when we read and hear of Christians arguing among themselves, whether in a local church, within a denomination or across denominational lines, we might think we are the first generation to experience this. Let’s be reminded today that disagreeing about many things has happened in the Church across the world, going back to the days of the first followers of Jesus.
In his letter to the Galatians, Paul is in the midst of reviewing his personal journey from persecuting the Church to being an apostle of Christ and preaching his gospel message. He tells about when he first met Peter and was welcomed by him (as well as James and John) into this shared ministry. He goes on to tell about the time he felt compelled to confront Peter for his hypocrisy in relating to both Jews and Gentiles. Paul challenged Peter to be true to the gospel message they were sharing.
It is another fascinating scene from the Bible that reveals the sinfulness, as well as the saintliness, of even the leaders of God’s people. Peter was a primary leader of those early followers and the establishment of the early Church, yet even he continued to have his moments of struggling to be the person his Lord wanted him to be. It is a challenging, yet comforting reminder for all of us. We must be vigilant in caring for our own souls, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us each day. In addition, we are to watch over our brothers and sisters in Christ in love.
Personal Worship Option:
Offer this prayer: Gracious God, make me mindful of any way in which I hinder your kingdom. Help me not to shy away from examining my thinking and my attitudes, so that I allow you to root out anything that would prevent someone else from coming to know you. Help me continually grow in your love for every person I encounter. In Jesus name, Amen.
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