Contemplative Bible Reading

Acts 15:19 (New International Version)

“It is my judgment, therefore, that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God.

James is speaking here to the Council at Jerusalem.  Some of the new Jewish Christians wanted the Gentile Christians to learn all of the old Jewish law as part of following Christ. There is some merit that would come from learning about the Jewish law, but that was not necessary.

James makes a simple statement, “we shouldn’t make following Christ more difficult that it is.”

That is odd. Why would someone want to make following Christ difficult? What is the point?

Some Christians in James’ and day in our day today have had difficult lives. Their Christianity added to their difficulty. Sometimes these people cannot abide with seeing someone else have an easier life. “They haven’t paid the price I paid. They haven’t suffered enough. They are enjoying life too much.”

Sometimes is it odd how we act towards other people – especially other Christians. We  want them to struggle for some reason or another. Isn’t that silly?

Perhaps we should all just enjoy the wonderful riches of being with Christ.