March 27, 2018

RIGHT IN THE SIGHT OF GOD

Acts 4:19-20

But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.”

Personal Challenge

So! What do we do in our modern world when the things that we believe, and what our 2,000-year church tradition teaches us to believe, conflicts with what the world teaches us to believe? If we desire to be disciples of Christ then we stand firm on the teachings of Christ and the church even if it means persecution and abuse. Sometimes this persecution and abuse come from those whom we love and care for. God's expectations for us should always be held higher than the expectations of those around us. Peter and John were told to stop preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ by their local leaders. Even though Jesus had taught them to submit to the earthly leaders that they were subject to, He also taught them that the laws of God always take precedence over the laws of man. This is not an easy thing to do, especially when the conflict is in the midst of our own community, however, we must always align our allegiance with the teachings and expectations of our God over those of the world. In the end, our God will always win the battles and the wars. As Joshua said, "Choose this day who you will serve. As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord." Lord, have mercy! Lord, have mercy! Lord, have mercy!