Acts 15: 5 "But some of the sect of the Pharisees who had believed stood up saying, 'It is necessary to...'""

As the church was growing, some, possibly many, of the Pharisees who had been the most difficult toward Jesus in His public ministry, had come to faith.  These Pharisees had lived a life of great devotion to the Old Testament (OT) by keeping the law, and now they had come to realize that they could NOT earn their way to heaven; it was only by faith in CHRIST alone.  However, there were many others coming into the church that did not have an OT (church) background. This was evident in their manner of living, possibly their style of worship, and even dietary practices. These new converts were so different that the newly "believing" Pharisees determined that if certain practices were not observed related to the OT, then the authenticity of their new faith was to be questioned. 

It is important to live a life of holiness and purity to the Lord so that our faith continues to flourish and sin does not stunt our spiritual growth.  It is also equally important that we not become too critical of those who come from a non-church background and have differing practices and standards.  If these things only differ from our traditions and practices, but they are not contrary to Scripture, then they are not sinful.  Our desire should not be to make disciples that look like us in every detail, but to look like CHRIST and to reflect Him in word, thought, and deed.  God is more than able to make changes in others that are needed.  But, we ought to allow Him to continue to make changes in "us" so that we do not become legalists, or spiritual curmudgeons (cantankerous people).  When we think that we are the only ones who "do all things right," we lose our ability to see situations from a different perspective.  We must not lose our witness or our willingness to love those who are not like us!

The early church was able to find balance in these things which resulted in a vibrant witness, turning the ancient world "right side up" for the Gospel, changing the culture.  When we are quick to criticize other believers because they are not doing things "just like us," we might want to read this chapter again and ask ourselves this question: "Are we more concerned about people looking like us or looking like CHRIST?" Hopefully these are one in the same!

In  Christ,
Tommy Middleton

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