March 11, 2012 (Deuteronomy 16-18; Psalm 38; Galatians 2)
From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:
Scripture: “As a result, other Jewish Christians followed Peter’s hypocrisy, and even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy.” Galatians 2:13 NLT
Observation: Paul had to confront Peter to his face because of hypocrisy. When Peter first arrived he ate with the Gentile believers who were not circumcised, but when some Jewish friends arrived he would not eat with the Gentile believers. Peter was afraid of the criticism he would receive from the Jewish Christians who felt circumcision was a requirement for salvation. It was very difficult for Peter to accept that God loved the Gentiles just as much as He loved the Jews. Thank God for men like Paul that were not afraid to stand up and proclaim God’s truth! In doing so he delivered serveral good people from hypocrisy.
Application: The crowd we run with often times encourages us to do things we would not do if we were alone. It’s part of our human nature to desire to “fit in” with those around us. Whether it’s a work environment or a church environment, the desire to fit in comes naturally. Armed with this reality, and knowledge, we must pay close attention to the motive behind our actions. Is what we are doing, or the way we are acting, designed to bring God glory and be pleasing to Him? Or are we working so hard to “fit in” we fail to conduct ourselves in a manner that is pleasing to Christ? Hypocrisy will lead us and others astray. When our top priority becomes “fitting in” rather than “standing out” we are sure to be led astray by hypocrisy.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for this day You’ve made. Thank You for Your mercy and grace that provide and protect me every day. Thank You for Your truth that teaches and instructs me in the ways of righteousness. Keep me unspotted by this world. Help me to live free from hypocrisy and be careful to lead others in Your truth, and Your truth alone. Thank You for Paul, Peter and Barnabas and for the lessons they help me learn. May I stand out as one of Yours just as these fine men have, in Jesus name, Amen!