Issue 26 - Day 1

Galatians 2

Galatians 2:11-14
11)  But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed.
12)  For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision.
13)  And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation.
14)  But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?

Have you ever done something daft that has results in others following your stupidity? The classic trick is to glance at a corner of the room as if there is something there and try to get everyone looking to see what it is. It is surprising how many fall for it. Whenever you are in a position of authority, whether by job position, seniority, or just leading a group of people in a given task they will look up to you and copy you, just as Barnabas copied Peter. Your non-believing friends likewise will look to you as a measure of what is morally right, even when they refuse to believe.

So we have two areas to focus on. Firstly, what are you doing that may lead others astray? It may be culturally correct, even politically correct, but if it is not right according to the bible then you should not be doing it. Secondly, in what ways are you blindly copying others? Have you checked their actions against scripture? Did you read the passages from the sermon on Sunday to check the preaching? Have you read the whole chapter today to check this?