A doctor visit for two, finding treasures for readers, two scrumptious salads, hearing aids serviced, tasty tacos for all, a med pickup, and a frozen treat to wrap up the day – a day of variety for a loving family…and great praise for my loving heavenly Father!
Acts 21:15-25 (<<click here to read the passage)
I’ve spoken (way too) often about my struggles with the antics of other drivers. I’m not perfect, but I do strive to bring as little strife into the lives of other drivers as I can. (Don’t we have enough problems without someone adding to them?)
One example: while driving on interstate, if I’m in the middle lane and come upon another vehicle in the far right lane and can tell that the vehicle they are coming up on in front of them is going slower than they are, I will, if possible, move over to the far lane left, allowing them to move to the middle lane to pass the slower vehicle.
There’s nothing wrong with being thoughtful and courteous. Why should I allow them to be frustrated if I can help them out a little? With a small amount of effort on my part, I can help keep the peace. I do what I can to avoid offending others if I can.
This particular passage from Acts 21, shows Paul’s Christ-like mindset. Leadership in the Jerusalem church asked him to do some things that, from a Jesus follower’s standpoint, he didn’t have to do. They knew he had accomplished great things for God’s Kingdom, but there were quite a few rumblings amongst the Jewish converts to Christianity (letting go of old mindsets is hard).
So, they asked him to take part in a Jewish purification ceremony v24 to still the waters of controversy. Did he make a big deal about it? Did he go off on the leaders, ranting about his “rights” as a believer in Christ? Did he put his foot down and refuse to cooperate? And the answer is…no. No, he didn’t do any of those things. Instead, he quietly and humbly submitted to their requests.
My Life Application Study Bible in referencing these verses used these phrases: avoid offending others (two times), keep peace, and flexible on nonessentials regarding Paul’s motivation as to why he did what he did.
In churches across our nation, I see (and hear) far too many doing what Paul didn’t do or say, than what he did do and say.
Paul’s life reflected his Savior’s. Though he would have been totally justified in doing so, Jesus never once claimed His rights. It was all about love.
Let’s drive it home…
Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.
You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.
Though he was God,
….he did not think of equality with God
….as something to cling to.
Instead, he gave up his divine privileges;
….he took the humble position of a slave[c]
….and was born as a human being.
When he appeared in human form,
….he humbled himself in obedience to God
….and died a criminal’s death on a cross.
Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor
….and gave him the name above all other names,
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
….in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord,
….to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:5-11 NLT
July 19th, 2022, 9:06 pm
