Ready to Change

When Paul arrived in Jerusalem, some of the disciples had made a religious vow (under the Law of Moses). The elders of the Jewish Christians asked Paul to please participate in their purification and completion of their vow so other Jews would understand that Paul had not simply turned his back on his people.

It sounds like a tight spot. Paul realized he was free from the Law of Moses. In fact, much of his writings were to Jews trying to convince them of the liberty they have in Christ. So what did Paul do? Did he perform the old rituals? Did he stand firm in his freedom?
Surprisingly, Paul payed the expenses for these men to be purified. He entered the temple and stayed with these four men until a sacrifice had been offered for each one. This is a great illustration of how God bears with men as they transition from everything they have always known to the pure walk of Jesus Christ.

Think about it. When you first obeyed the gospel, did you know how to walk perfectly in the way of Christ? Of course not! Did Jesus accept you anyway? Yes. There is a transition period, a time of change. As we discover the way of Christ more perfectly, we repent of our old ways. Practically speaking, this transition period is life-long. I’m still changing. Paul said in Philippians 1:6, “I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” It sounds like a process, doesn’t it?

Changed!

Knowing that each one of us is IN PROCESS of discovering the way more perfectly, how should we deal with one another? Can we put up with another more easily? When Sister Jenny continues to use denominational language in her speech, should we regard that as reason to leave her behind? When Brother James first enters the Kingdom, he had many vices. He drinks, smokes, curses, and has a number of other worldly habits. He knows he needs to change. He is working on those things. But it takes some time to get these things out of his life. Can we put up with our brother and work with him as he struggles through all these things?

I hope we can. This was the heart of Paul.

“To the Jews I became as a Jew, so that I might win Jews; to those who are under the Law, as under the Law though not being myself under the Law; so that I might win those who are under the Law; to those who are without law, as without law, though not being without the law of God but under the law of Christ, so that I might win those who are without law. to the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak; I have become all things to all men, so that I may by all means save some.” (1 Corinthians 9:20-22)

I hope you can put up with me as I work to get closer to the pure way of Jesus Christ.

God bless,
Nathan