February 15, Opinions
Today’s Journey Through Acts excerpt is:
Opinions
We've all got that one friend who we love dearly, but has a pretty strong opinion about everything. If you don't have that friend, chances are, you might be that friend! We live in a world full of opinions. We are now more connected than ever before. Not only are we bombarded by voices, but there is also a pressure to make our opinions known on everything. As a side-note, don't get caught up in the feeling that you have to make your voice heard over every matter - especially on social media. Proverbs 29:11 tells us:
"A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back."
There are two issues that we will look at in Acts fifteen. The first is a matter of opinion over the obligation of the Gentile believers to observe the customs and laws of the Jews. Remember, the early church did not have a printed New Testament like you and I. They were operating by the leading of the Holy Spirit. Some of the new believers were having a hard time letting go of the traditions of Judaism and were set on carrying those customs over to Christianity. The problem was that the message was that the new believers would - as Acts 15:11 states - "be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus". However, some of the leaders had an opinion that they should also add circumcision or other aspects of the Mosaic law.
James, however, had something more than opinion - he had a word from the Lord. Led by the Spirit, the Apostles came to a conclusion for the Gentile believers and wrote them a letter stating:
"For it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay on you no greater burden than these requirements: that you abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what has been strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well. Farewell.”
In this case, the Holy Spirit gave clear direction so that these leaders would not have to make a judgment call for a critical matter. An important takeaway: The Holy Spirit should have rule and reign over your opinions.
Secondly, is a different matter entirely. If you recall in Acts thirteen, we mentioned briefly the leadership dynamic of Paul and Barnabas. We referenced the "role" of Barnabas and Paul as Batman and Robin respectively. Here in this chapter a shift in dynamic takes place. Here, Paul and Barnabas had very different opinions on whether or not John Mark was ready to join them on mission again. We will drop the Batman analogy here, but it will suffice to say that there were now two separate superheroes in this story. These two high-level leaders actually part ways over a difference of opinion, and it was one of the most profitable things that could have happened for the sharing of the Gospel. I wholeheartedly believe that both of these leaders were being led by the Spirit. God was multiplying their disciple-making capability. The reference in Colossians makes it apparent that at some point Paul resolved his feelings over Mark.
All of this to say, you probably have opinions about most issues. You may have opinions that are supported by feelings, and your feelings may not be right even though they are real. As disciples, we have been given the gift of the Holy Spirit to help us navigate our own emotional biases. Make sure the you check your opinions, desires, and preferences to ensure they fall under the authority of the Word of God and the work of the Holy Spirit in your life.
Reflect on the journey:
Do you have a strong opinion or feeling about something that you know the Holy Spirit has affirmed in you? Double-down and thank God for His leadership in your life. Do you have opinions, feelings or desires that you've not submitted to the Lord? Now would be a good time to take them openly to God.
Through your prayer time today:
Read Romans 8:26–27
Today, allow the Holy Spirit to search your heart, and intercede for you in accordance with the will of God. Praying in the Spirit is one of the most practical things you can do to adjust your life to the will of God.
