cchrisholland

Why do experienced builders still bother with measuring equipment?

I mean, with all that practice, he should be able to simply take a good look, mark, cut, place and nail without ever consulting a measuring tape or level, right? Not exactly. The experienced builder knows that optical illusions abound when simply “taking a good look” and a proven standard is far better.

So, for a disciple of Christ, what’s our real standard? Is it the specific truth of scripture, or something close that “appears level”? It’s tempting to gravitate toward the verses we prefer and simply create our own spiritual “ethos” based on the principles that challenge us the least, but Jesus taught a complete approach to the life of a disciple. For example, most people agree that lying, stealing, murder or adultery are wrong, but Jesus taught that even contemplating those things is an issue (Matt. 5:28).

Each day can be filled with its own “optical illusions”…what standard will you use?

“‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind’. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'” –Matthew 22:37-39 NKJV

What are your core beliefs?

In New Testament times there were many political alliances and authorities. One of those was a powerful court called the Sanhedrin Council. John refers to the Council this way:

“…many believed in [Jesus], but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they be put out of the synagogue: for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.” – John 12:42-43

We see that many believed, but compromised for fear of losing influence. However, within that same hyper-political environment, Luke mentions this happening after the crucifixion:

“There was a good and righteous man named Joseph, a member of the Sanhedrin, who had not agreed to their plan and action. He was from Arimathea, a Judean town, and was looking forward to the kingdom of God. He approached Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. Taking it down, he wrapped it in fine linen and placed it in a tomb cut into the rock, where no one had ever been placed.” -Luke 23:50-53

The difference between Joseph and many others was simply this; he acted on his convictions regardless of the threat to his position and status. He may have been timid before, but at the end of the day he stood on his convictions. He was not only willing to be identified with Christ; he was also willing to be involved in the work of burial.

Do you have core convictions? Are you willing to stand on them today, even if it conflicts with the social norms of your peers? If not, then they’re probably just strong preferences, and not really convictions.