In our scenario, relationships at Grace Church are strained. There's a new church coming to town. Some from Grace are going, some are staying. (Click here to get the whole story.) How should these two groups relate to one another? Here is a principle, the second in our series, that will help.
Principle Two: Free to Follow God
One person regards one day above another, another regards every day alike. Each person must be fully convinced in his own mind (Romans 14:5).
Moral decisions can be divided into three categories, obedience to God’s commands, upholding godly convictions, and following individual guidance. Where God has expressly and clearly told us what to do, there is no place for contrary personal “convictions.” But concerning matters which the Bible does not address directly, Paul commands us to allow each person to form his own convictions. We obey this command when we give every family permission to make their own decision about whether and when to go to another church or to stay.
There is a classic example of this principle in action in the life of Paul. It's recorded in Acts 21:7-14. Paul was en route to Jerusalem. After landing at Tyre, he made his way to the house of Philip the Evangelist. A prophet named Agabus issued a warning: He took Paul’s belt and bound his own feet and hands, and said, “This is what the Holy Spirit says: ‘In this way the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles’ ” (Acts 21:11).
Naturally, everyone attempted to dissuade Paul from continuing on to Jerusalem. It seemed quite clear that God had provided a warning for exactly this purpose. Paul was in a minority of one who disagreed.
Here's how he replied: “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but even to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus” (Acts 21:13). Paul discerned that the prophet's vision was not about directing him to change course but to help him prepare for the worst. Despite the bad news, he was no less determined to run into the fire.
Here's is what happened next: And since he would not be persuaded, we fell silent, remarking, “The will of the Lord be done!” (Acts 21:14). This was Paul's decision to make and he would not budge. The people accepted Paul's decision and released Paul to God's oversight.
The people of Grace Church will do well to emulate the Saints at Philip's house. Allow each person, whether he chooses to go or to stay, to make his own decision as unto the Lord.
Jim, I am enjoying (as always) hearing your thoughts on Scripture and their applications to our lives. I confess I do not understand all the implications of the context of "life at a particular church" and I am not totally sure if this an actual or figurative church. That is only significant in that I might be missing part of the bigger meaning.
In any event I like that you are using this venue for something more meaningful. Thank you and may God bless you and your family.
Posted by: John Huggins | April 21, 2015 at 10:00 AM
Amen!
Posted by: Julie Zieglowsky | April 24, 2015 at 10:25 AM