Good morning, everyone.
Our verse for today comes from Acts 11:19-20, “Now those who were scattered after the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to no one but the Jews only. But some of them were men from Cyprus and Cyrene, who, when they had come to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists, preaching the Lord Jesus.”
You see it all the time and in every place. Two schools of thought, doing things very differently, trying to accomplish the same thing. In business, some will sink it all into innovation, always looking for the next new thing, while others will stick with what got them where they are, seeking only to refine and upgrade their so-called bread and butter. Both philosophies are intended to strengthen their place in the market and grow their business and name recognition. When it comes to church, you can see the differences in almost every area you choose to compare. Some might meet in a traditional sanctuary while others gather in former warehouses, storefronts, or something even less traditional. Your pastor may go the casual route and wear jeans and an untucked shirt while another still dons a suit and tie. Nothing needs to be said about the music variety that now exists in worship services. And yes, some churches preach the word of God faithfully and diligently while others deliver sermonettes or messages intended to be relevant in today’s culture. Even interpersonally, we can be total opposites and still long for and seek after the same fulfillments in relationships, despite how differently we might interact with others and choose to connect with them.
The problem we encounter in these situations, and dozens more like them, is that we are not merely content to focus on and strengthen the ones which concern us. Instead, we give time and attention in evaluating. judging, and even condemning the ways of those at the other end of the spectrum. It’s not enough to be who we are, wherever we are. We also have to minimize and heap scorn on the other guys. You know, tearing them down to lift ourselves up. And even that can be done in a myriad of ways. Some have a sweetness to them when they seem to express compassion in the midst of their judgment, some hide behind sarcasm, while others hold little back in their contempt. We have plenty that we should be focusing on right inside our own chest. Maybe we can look inward and see what needs some attention rather than pointing out everyone else’s problems.
As we seek Him today, get closer to Jesus so that your relationship gets the attention it deserves.
Have a great Thursday.
#4 Rich Holt
Dad of Ripken, Koy, TrishaJean, Samantha, Kakie Holiday and Raleigh
Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them.
