Making Sure

Reading: Galatians 2; Psalm 102 1 Then fourteen years later I went back to Jerusalem again, this time with Barnabas; and Titus came along, too. 2 I went there because God revealed to me that I should go. While I was there I talked privately with the leaders of the church. I wanted them to understand what I had been preaching to the Gentiles. I wanted to make sure they did not disagree, or my ministry would have been useless. (Galatians 2:1-2 NLT) Paul is very clear in his letter to the churches in the province of Galatia that he is God-called and is not part of any religious system. He sounds almost arrogant at times, declaring that he is Spirit-called, Spirit-led, and Spirit-empowered! It’s true that Paul was Spirit-led, but this was not a matter of arrogance, it was that God had a unique assignment for Paul, with unique responsibilities, that demanded unique sacrifices from Paul. Paul’s God-assignment required that he be ever sensitive to God’s Spirit and continually willing to risk the disapproval of both the secular and the religious systems as he preached the Gospel of God’s Kingdom Come! But Paul didn’t want to miss it! He cared more about God’s approval than man’s approval, but Paul checked with the apostles and the leaders of the church in Jerusalem to “Make Sure.” Friends, we have freedom in the Spirit, but must also have willing submission to our leaders and our peers. It’s not either-or. It’s both-and. I have a group of people who help me “Make Sure:” my wife, my kids, my friends, my leaders. I frequently send emails to friends in several countries to check my ideas and my thinking processes. Like Paul, I want to “Make Sure”! Who helps you “Make Sure”? Each of us needs a “Making Sure” set of relationships and process. What’s your “Make Sure” plan? How’s it working? Prayer: Father, Please don’t let me mislead your people! There are things I’m very passionate about. Being a life-long learner is one of those things. But I’m thankful for my “Make Sure” friends who help me stay on track. I submit to you, Father, and to the “Make Sure” process you’ve so graciously provided. Don’t let me mislead your people! Amen!