Day 14 - Change Is in the Air

Scripture Reading — Acts 15

The early church was struggling to decide how they would welcome new believers who had never been part of the Jewish tradition. The major issue was whether Gentile believers (non Jews) would need to be circumcised. Circumcision had been the sacramental-type sign of being an Israelite (Jew) since the time of Abraham. Some did not think the old sign was necessary, but many argued to maintain the practice.

After gathering the church leaders together, the apostles and elders decided that new believers did not need to be circumcised. Instead, they would need to observe certain dietary restrictions and refrain from sexual immorality.

The list of requirements for believers is striking. The leaders did not restate the Ten Commandments, nor did they send a comprehensive list of cleanliness laws. They offered the new believers a short list of instructions that would help them grow. No one believed this list would make anyone perfect. The purpose of these instructions was to help the new believers begin to align their lives with God’s plans for them.

The habits or disciplines we practice do not make us perfect, but they do help us walk with God and begin to experience his power to transform us.

Holy Spirit, help me to walk within Your will so that I may be transformed to be more like Christ, in whose name I pray. Amen.