Did you know that James and Paul had opposing views on what it meant to be a Christian? Did you know that Peter took more of a middle of the road stand? Did you know that each wrote important books in the Bible? Did you know that each of their views are evident in Scripture?
Don’t believe me?
Galatians 2: (Paul writing)
But when Peter came to Antioch, I had to oppose him to his face, for what he did was very wrong. When he first arrived, he ate with the Gentile believers, who were not circumcised. But afterward, when some friends of James came, Peter wouldn’t eat with the Gentiles anymore. He was afraid of criticism from these people who insisted on the necessity of circumcision.
Galatians 2:11-12
James taught that circumcision was necessary, Paul taught it wasn’t- and Peter was stuck in the middle.
At first, Peter sides with Paul.
But, when friends of James came, Peter acted hypocritically.
Paul called Peter out.
Paul didn’t call James out.
It’s ok to have theological differences of opinion.
It’s not ok to treat people differently because of those differences, or depending on whom you are with.
Peter was a disciple, James was Jesus’ brother, and Paul never personally met Jesus during his ministry on earth.
All of them loved Jesus though, and each of them lived according to how they interpreted what that love meant.
For James: Faith without works is dead… I’ll show you my faith by my works… in essence- put your money where your mouth is or it doesn’t matter.
For Paul: For by grace are you saved through faith- not of yourselves, so no one has a reason to boast… a person is made right with God by faith in Jesus, not by obeying the law… in essence- you don’t have to prove yourself- your faith is enough.
For Peter: Be of one mind, sympathize with each, be kind… in essence- avoid disagreements.
For each of these biblical authors, their message was dependent on their life change.
Paul originally persecuted Christians because they didn’t follow the Jewish religion- after his conversion, he didn’t want to burden new Christians with unnecessary laws.
Peter was infamous for his temper. As he grew, his message became more about peace with all men.
James didn’t seem to be fully convinced, or fully committed. Until Jesus rose and ascended. Then, it became all about him proving his faith, and wanting others to do the same.
If you read this far, you’re probably wondering what my point is.
It’s this:
It really doesn’t matter what serving God looks like to you, as long as you are doing what you do as unto God. God sees your heart.
But, on the flip side, just because someone else doesn’t match what you think serving God should look like, it doesn’t mean that they don’t love God.
It’s less about the outward proof of salvation, and more about the inner relationship. If you have the relationship, the outside will either follow or doesn’t matter as much as we think.
Salvation or proof focused people say- how can I be good enough.
Relationship or faith focused people say- how much good can I do?
Don’t get stuck on the appearance. Look at the heart.
The Ashley Smith Blog 