Familiarity

In Galatians 2:11 Paul describes an encounter where he confronts Peter for straying from his belief. The situation is that Peter had formerly shared table fellowship with gentile believers but, when Jewish Christians came Peter withdrew. The result is Galatians 2:11 where Paul opposes Peter. Out of this Peter once again demonstrates that it is faith in Jesus Christ alone that brings salvation not the Law.

As believers, we should constantly be checking our beliefs as we read the word of God. Do I believe what I am reading, and do I live it out? Sometimes our familiarity with the content of the stories causes us to assume we know what the story says and that we are living out the principles. If we do not slow down and read scripture and open our hearts to the work of the Holy Spirit, we can miss the working of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Familiarity can breed stagnation. If we assume that because we have followed Jesus for a long time that our belief is right, then we find ourselves in dangerous territory. There is always more to learn about God about how to follow Him. No one has achieved perfection and therefore needs to continue to grow. Stagnation is as deadly as wrong belief or heresy. Throughout the entirety of our lives, we should humbly submit ourselves to the word of God and to the leadership of the Holy Spirit. This impart means approaching God with a desire to grow even if it means that we have to change. Our familiarity with the scriptures should allow us to grow deeper in our relationship with Him. We should consistently be challenged to take steps of faith as we follow God. If you are not taking new steps of faith, then there is a problem. I pray that you will find a freshness in your relationship with Jesus and that throughout your journey with Him you will be amazed by Him.