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Wednesday, October 11, 2006 Meditation Galatians 2:1-2,7-14 Disagreements. Strained relationships. Polarized “camps.” We may think these are mainly characteristic of the church in our day. However, when we look at the life of the apostle Paul, we quickly discover that he was almost always involved in disputes and controversies. He was frequently at odds with some of the very churches that he had founded. He had strong disagreements and even arguments with other apostles, such as Peter and Barnabas. Yet at the same time, Paul was one of the greatest missionaries and builders of churches in the history of Christianity! Despite serious problems in Paul’s relationships with others, God still used him to spread the gospel. How are we to understand these seeming contradictions? One thing is to note that Paul did not give up when he experienced difficulties in relationships. He knew that developing loving relationships is a very important part of God’s plan for his church, and Paul kept striving toward that goal. Paul also knew that people could get into arguments because they misunderstood aspects of the gospel message and may need to be taught—or retaught—the truth. Finally, Paul understood that we all take our human weaknesses and sins with us into the church, and that God has called us, despite this reality, to help spread the gospel message. Paul’s example should encourage us today. More than likely, we have disagreements with other people in our church. We may not understand or agree with every single thing the church teaches. We may even fail in some of our relationships. Yet no matter what our situation is, God can still use us to spread the gospel and to build up his church. Like Paul, we should never give up in our desire to bring people to God and closer to each other. Don’t let difficulties or disagreements paralyze you! Instead, accept the reality of who people are—including yourself—and continue to advance God’s kingdom. Just as he did for Paul, God will help all of us despite our weaknesses. “Lord, your people are still separated from each other. By your Spirit, make me an instrument of unity, peace, and reconciliation. Teach me to base all of my thoughts and actions on the love of Christ and my call to preach the gospel.” Psalm 117:1-2; Luke 11:1-4 |