The church at Jerusalem made a judgment call on whether to exempt non-Jewish believers from Jewish traditions. They concluded that it was essential for brethren to serve God in the liberty of their spirit – without giving room for human traditions that could inhibit gospel expansion. Church elders wrote Paul and said,
“…But concerning the Gentiles who believe, we have written and decided that they should observe no such thing, except that they should keep themselves from things offered to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality” (Acts 21:25).
Lesson:
Many polls indicate that non-Jewish Christians outnumber Jewish Christians. Meanwhile, whether a Christian was born Jewish or not, we are all required to obey God’s laws; we must engage in praiseworthy activities – that glorify God’s name. Although traditions may challenge us into moral behaviors, they should not be mistaken for God’s laws. Human traditions are not God’s laws! Therefore, we must duly study scriptures to understand God’s requirements. Our success can only abide if we know and do the truth. God will forever glorify his name in the lives of people that honorably follow him.
Prayer:
Dear God, I have learned that human tradition is different from God’s standard of holiness. Therefore, I ask you to please save me from any tradition that may pose threat to your standard of holiness. Enable me to commit myself to studying the scriptures so that I can live the life expected of me. Please save my soul from error, so that I will not be disappointed on the last day. For in the name of Jesus Christ I make my requests. Amen.
