Acts 21:1-26

 Acts 21:1-26 

One of the most challenging task of a disciple is to find how to fit into the native culture while being faithful to Christ. We face two extreme possibilities either of which is detrimental. The first is to compromise our faith in order to fit into the culture and the second is to needlessly be hostile to our culture and thereby eliminate our influence. Between these two extremes there is for the disciple a space of both conformity and uniqueness, of being part of the culture and being counter cultural. That space is difficult to find regarding spiritual maturity, humility and wisdom.

After Paul returned to Jerusalem and reports on the last missionary tour he and the church leaders develop a plan to demonstrate cultural conformity with faithful integrity. To demonstrate that Paul is not opposing the Mosaic ethical law and Jewish culture he will participate in the vows of four men. This was no effort to secure salvation by works of the law, which Paul would have rejected. There was however a specifically Jewish expression of faith. This ritual would not make these men righteous but neither would it compromise their faith.

When we become and live as disciples we do so in the context of our culture. Those cultural expressions need not be completely and universally rejected because we are disciples. Rather each thought, motive, expression, or practice must be filtered through the faith and commitment we have in Christ.  Based on that we accept or reject, use our discard, that part of culture. If we keep the dietary law of the Old Testament because we imagine it grants or earn salvation we are rejecting the work of Christ. Should we choose a strict diet because it is healthy and it fits into our cultural context that’s acceptable. From dress to tech, from diet to drink our over arching conscious is to be a disciple, a friend, follower, student and lover of Christ. Understanding where my culture and my freedom end in the application of my faith requires maturity and wisdom is demanding. But that is what we would expect if God desires lovers and not robots.

“Lord, help me take every moment of my life and use it to Your glory. AMEN”