Jump Start # 4105
Galatians 6:1 Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted.
Throwback Thursday: An article written from the past
A Tow Truck Towing a Tow Truck
It was an unusual sight. I looked twice to be sure, but there it was, a tow truck towing a tow truck. A tow truck had broken down and needed a tow. When we see a car being towed we usually think little about it. But the tow truck needing a tow seems unusual. We feel the same whenever we see an ambulance loading passengers from a wrecked ambulance. Or, a police officer that is writing a speeding ticket for another police officer.
Picture the strong person in your life. The one you go to whenever you have a problem. The one that encourages and builds you up. The one that not only tries to help, but really does help. They are your mentor, counselor, friend and even a part of your “feeling stability” in life. What happens when that peson is in need of help? What happens when they need counseling?
In Galatians 2, Peter was eating with Gentiles, which was new and uncomfortable for him. When other Jews came around, his past convictions of the old Law caused him to withdraw and separate himself from the Gentiles for fear fo the Jews. Others followed is sinful and wrong lead. Good men such as Barnabas, also followed. Peter caved into the pressure from wanting to fit in and please the Jews. Paul confronted Peter because Peter was wrong (Gal 2:11).
Simply because one is strong does nto mean they will not sin. The apostle wrote, “If we say that we have no sin, we decive ourselves and the truth is not in us” (1 Jn 1:8). We must put our faith in the Lord, that perfect rock that is the same yesterday, today and forever, and not in a fellow Christian.
Simply because one is strong does not mean they don’t need help from you. David needed Nathan to help him acknowledge his sin. Peter needed Paul. Apollos needed Aquila and Priscilla. Don’t watch a strong person erode in sin or discouragement. Help them out. We all need each other and we all need the Lord.
Simply because one is strong does not mean they will not damage the work of the Lord. A strong Christian would never harm the work of the church, would they? Yes! Peter’s actions in Galatians 2 show that Peter as building back the walls of prejudice and hatred toward the Gentiles. Peter was working against the death of Christ. The church would suffer as a result of Peter’s behavior. The factious man that the New Testament tells us to mark and avoid (Titus 3:10; Rom 16:17) generally has strong conviction. It is the weak Christian that does not care. Knowledge and zeal without faithfulness to the Lord are a threat to the church. We all must follow Jesus. God wants us to be strong (Eph 6:10). Our strong faith does not mean that we are beyond needing others to help us and guide us. Preachers need others to help them. Shepherds need others to help them.
Even tow trucks need tow trucks once in a while.
Roger
June, 1996