To live, or not to live... in a box.

Before I write anything, I must point you toward Beth Moore's blog in regards to the Scripture Memory Challenge. For all the folks who complete the challenge, Living Proof Ministries is going to host a free event in Houston (well, "free" if you don't count travel, accommodations, and food - ha!). Go read about it, if you're interested.... I just may go - if I complete the challenge. Houston in January sounds mighty nice for an Ohioan! Oh, and by the way, I am sticking with 2 Timothy 1:6-8 for March 15-31 because I need more time and this is not a legalistic kind of thing....

Back to Cornelius....

The Jews thought salvation and the Holy Spirit were only for them. Gentiles were considered anyone who was not a Jew. In Acts 10, God spoke to Cornelius (a Gentile; a Roman army officer, no less) and Peter (a Jew and an apostle) in some sort of separate vision or dream. God told Peter to include the Gentiles in preaching the Gospel. God told Cornelius to send some guys to find Peter and bring him to Cornelius' house.

This series of events is quite out of the box for both men! Under Jewish law, Peter was not allowed to be in relationship with Cornelius, a Gentile. Act 10:28 (NLT) reads, "Peter told them, 'You know it is against the Jewish laws for me to come into a Gentile home like this. But God has shown me that I should never think of anyone as impure.'" In spite of their differences, Cornelius and Peter both obeyed God and personally related with one another - though Peter needed some divine prodding.

I love this verse of divine prodding: "If God says something is acceptable, don't say it isn't." Acts 10:15 (NLT).

A party at Cornelius' house most likely included eating impure food and rubbing shoulders with impure people - by Jewish standards. Peter preached a simple sermon and many Gentiles were saved and filled with the Holy Spirit. Peter experienced these Gentile conversions first hand - in relationship with them. This was very significant for Peter because, prior to this event, he did not know that Gentiles could be saved and filled with Holy Spirit.

Acts 10: 15 is repeated in Acts 11:9, "If God says something is acceptable, don't say it isn't."

As I look at this verse, I see two assumptions:

1. If some things are acceptable, then there are some things that are not acceptable. In our relativitic culture, where people believe they are free to come up with their own versions of right and wrong, it is a good reminder to know that God does have some ultimate guidelines set up with our best interests in mind.
2. God is not all about telling us what not to do (this is a double negative, I know). Many unbelievers are turned off by Christians and their rules. As a parent, I have a much deeper appreciation for "rules." My rules are enforced for the purpose of protecting my children. At 2 years of age, they don't understand that when cars hit children, children die. At 6 years of age, they don't know what molest means and that it can happen in the bathroom at McDonalds. At 10 years of age, they don't know what pornagraphy is; that it is addictive and that it can ruin relationships for a lifetime. Someone has to guide kids through these life issues. Such issues are a very real part of life for all of one's life.

I choose to rely on God for guidance believing with all of my heart that His guidance is meant for my protection.

Peter obeyed God and overcame his cultural understanding of impurity. God sent Peter to Cornelius because Cornelius was sincerely seeking God and Truth. God did not deny Cornelius the opportunity to know Him - He sent Peter to help. Peter needed to know and experience the fact that God had salvation and the Holy Spirit in mind for the Gentiles, as well as the Jews. Like most of us, Peter had to see it with his own eyes to believe it. All of this was possible because Peter and Cornelius obeyed God and entered into a relationship with one another. Peter and Cornelius needed each other to understand God's larger plan.

Obeying God may mean getting out of the cultural box we are so familiar with in 2009. I do not write these words with ease - such moves are hard for me. Am I willing? Yes. Will God guide me? Yes. I believe that through simple willingness, God will accomplish great things outside of the box.