2 Identical Puzzle Pieces Don't Fit

Today's lesson is about Paul's interaction with the disciples after his conversion. In Acts 9, the disciples react to Paul's attempt to visit with them. They were afraid that he was not really a disciple. They thought he was only pretending. The reason for this was Paul's reputation. He persecuted the church. He was breathing out murderous threats. He consented to the death of Stephen. While on his way to arrest believers in Damascus, Paul had a conversion experience.

About 14 years later, Paul and Barnabas come to Jerusalem to get advice from the apostles. They wanted to know if the Gentiles needed to be circumcised, as some were falsely teaching. This time John is present. John is described as being a pillar of the church. Paul states that "James, Peter, and John, those reputed to be pillars, gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship. [Galatians 2:9]

Let's take a look at the men gathered in this meeting:
1. James, Jesus' half brother, was an mocking unbeliever turned into a pillar [leader] of the church
2. Peter, who denied Christ three times, then returned to Christ and strengthened his fellow apostles.
3. John, who wanted to call down fire from heaven on the Samaritans and who wanted to sit next to Jesus in heaven.
4. Paul, a persecutor of the church, which led to the stoning of Stephen and fueled the persecution which led to the murder of James.
5. Barnabas, risked his reputation in the early church by bringing Paul and the apostles together for a meeting.

What an unlikely bunch of men to get together and come up with a plan to deal with a problem. They definitely were not a match by outward appearance. None of us were meant to be a match. We were meant to fit together. Though we are many, we are one body in Christ.

As Christians, we don't have to agree on every point of doctrine (see my statement of faith for clarification). We don't  always have to get along . For examples of this see Galatians 2 and Acts 15 for a disagreements between Paul and Peter & Paul and Barnabas. While we may disagree, we still need to respect one another. We need to remember, according to 1 Corinthians 3:5-9, we are all servants with different assigned tasks. We are co-workers in God's service.

This is a great reminder. I am not in competition with fellow Christians. I have my OWN race to run.
I need to remind myself that when I compare myself to others I am not wise. I need to remember that God knows what He is doing. I have to trust His timing.  He is making me into someone no one else has been! He is doing the same for you!! Trust Him!!