29TH AUGUST
Galatians 2:8
“For he who worked through Peter for his apostolic ministry to the circumcised worked also through me for mine to the Gentiles”
God works through us as we follow his unique call on each of us as his witnesses!
Peter was called by God to be a witness to the Jews. Paul was called to be a witness to the Gentiles. Each of these groups needed a different approach, a different ministry. It wasn’t natural for Peter and Paul to operate in each others’ spheres. But they recognised that God’s call on them didn’t mean that everyone should have the same call.
It’s natural to feel very passionate about the way God has called us to do things, but we must take care not to criticise those God has called to reach a different group of people or to connect with people in a different way. John the Baptist and Jesus had very different ministry approaches, and both were very effective in their calling. John the Baptist had a very narrow menu and wouldn’t drink wine. This caused people to take notice of his difference and pay attention. Jesus came eating and drinking with people. This made him very welcome in the homes of secular, non-religious people and opened their hearts to him.
Both Jesus and John, like Peter and Paul, had effective ministries and were following God the Father’s call on their lives. They didn’t criticise each other for their different approaches but glorified God for his work through the other.
Likewise, God is calling you today to pay attention to the way he wants you to be a witness to those around you. Don’t try to be like someone else in their ministry. Love who God has called you to be!
MAKE IT PERSONAL
Do you tend to criticise or speak negatively about those who share the gospel differently than you? Do you tend to compare yourself to other people? What is God telling you today?