SET APART FOR SOMETHING DIFFERENT

Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, set apart for the Gospel of God.  Romans 1:1

Before Paul met Christ on the road to Damascus, he was a Pharisee.  He knew what it was to be ‘set apart’ for that is the very meaning of the word Pharisee. (A separated one)  He was set apart to the Pharisaic traditions.  Pharisees crossed the street rather than get near to someone they considered vile and a great sinner.  The list of things they abstained from was long. 

But when he met Jesus, he was set apart for something different.  Instead of defining his life by what he was against, he was released to define his life with a declaration of what he was for.  He was set apart for the Gospel of God.  Pharisees were generally righteous, narrow, cruel, and obsessive.  A disciple of Christ was gracious, merciful, and humble while truth telling.  What a transformation Paul experienced.  Only God could do that. 

 Christians today have been set apart by God to be pro-active, marked by joy.  The list of things we are ‘for’ is expansive.  Yet, so many have failed to depart from the Pharisaical ways of legalism.  They feel called to be the policemen of the church, pointing fingers and nit-picking.  When presented with a visionary idea, they exclaim, “I guess I don’t have a problem with that.”  The question is, “What are they for, not against?” 

A bitter root of judgment plagues the church and some justify it by saying that they are just contending for the faith.  However, it seems that these people are rarely happy.  Their demeanor is angry, suspicious, narrow, and ever ready to pick a fight with other believers.  A true contender for the faith is a passionate communicator of the Gospel, filled with grace and the power of the Spirit.  Contending for the faith takes up the smallest portion of his time for the presentation of the Gospel is his ultimate goal and highest joy. 

Jesus, I am joyfully for Your Gospel; seeing people turn from darkness to light.  Amen