It’s not what you’ve got
There is a great temptation to have the latest thing. The shiniest car, the most up to date mobile phone, the latest fashion. We can be very quick to judge people by what they have – or don’t have; or what they wear
This is an amazing example of how people are judged. I am pretty sure that three sweatshirts with hoods on did not steal a bus. Stealing a bus is of course wrong and stupid, but we have got into a habit of using the term “hoodie” to describe any youth – and always in derogatory terms. It has become impossible for any teenager to wear a hoodie without immediately being judged as, at the very best, “trouble”.
We judge all too easily by outward appearances.
The Galatians seem to have got themselves into a similar kind of situation. Their judgement criteria was whether someone had been circumcised or not. Being circumcised marked you out as one of the in crowd. It was considered something to brag about. Not so says Paul. What matters is that you are a new person, following the Spirit and helping others. Don’t get tired of helping others. We should help people whenever we can. They are the Kingdom priorities – they are what is important to God.
I suspect God cares not one fig about what we wear, what parts of our bodies are pierced, if we’ve got tattoos, or any other such things. I’m certain he is not concerned what car we drive or if we have the latest phone (unless of course it is that we are spending all our money on them or have great pride in what we own). What God cares about is what we do for those around us. He is bothered about if we listen to him, and do what he asks of us.
This theme is emphasised by Jesus.
He is sending out seventy-two of his followers. They are going to the towns and villages that Jesus is about to go to. In some way they are ‘preparing the way’ for him to go. But as they go, they are to take nothing that they won’t need. No money, no spare clothes. It’s what they are going to do that is important, he will sort out the rest. Their job is to bring God’s peace and to offer the Kingdom. People’s acceptance of rejection should be on that. The mission of God is not to be overtaken by personal concerns of clothing or food. They are not to rely on what they have with them, but the One who sends and equips.
God invites us to come. Each one of us. Whoever we are. Whatever we have done or not done.
God invites us to work with him. Not because we look right, but because we are his. He gives us everything we need, and invites us to live our lives for him.
So, come to God, receive his acceptance, become a new person and live out God’s love and help as you journey with him.
Pam's Perambulation 