When it's not helping

 

Above, is a story from the New Testament of the Bible. It's a story about one guy, Peter, trying to fit in with some other guys. Then, another guy named Paul calls Peter out for not holding to the truth Peter knows. And also, Peter is trying to make believing in Jesus harder for people than it needs to be. To wrap up, Peter is being hypocritical. One of the scariest words in the Christian church. 

At first, Peter was all about the love and grace of Jesus. There was no need for the law. The old Testament system of washing, ritual and sacrifices had been made whole and complete because Jesus died and rose again on the cross. As the message of this amazing miracle spread thru first Jerusalem and then to other places further out, a need for order arose. Peter and some other guys (called disciples) started traveling around to the new converts. Then, they began teaching and instructing so the churches could run on their own. It was a good system. There were some hiccups, but the basic message of loving each other and telling people about the good news were being spread. 

Enter in the "other guys". For a long time believing in God meant you had to get cleaned up before you could even get close to the temple' or where God hung out. You had to wash a certain way. Eat certain foods. Not hang out with certain people. It was a LOT to remember. As people were walking away from all those rules, some people didn't want to walk away completely. They thought there should still be something physical to help non-believers know they believed in the risen Christ. And since they had all these ideas from their former practice of Judaism, why not use those? 

When have you done that? Tried to make others do what you think is right to do? I know I have. I have put my own convictions and prejudices on another person. I've told people they were wrong for drinking a certain drink. That they shouldn't watch a certain show or read a certain book. I have been guilty of trying to help that ends up hindering. I, and you, have not been put on this earth to set up tiny courtrooms. We are here to love. To let them know we are Christians by our love for one another. Let's take our judges robes and burn them in a pile so we can warm others up. 

I don't want to be responsible for someone else's faith. I don't have the shoulders big enough for that job. Only our Creator does. He's the standard we judge by. The conviction that guides my steps. I'm going to live my life by His standards. And let you live your live by His as well.