Yet not even Titus, who was with me, was compelled to be circumcised, even though he was a Greek.
Galatians 2:3 (NIV)
Father, this morning my soul thanks You for the early church fathers, Titus and Paul’s example in the Scriptures. I confess that I am tempted to blend in and conform with the norms around me. Whether it is at home, at work, or even at church, traditions play a significant role in my life. And because I am steeped in them, they can easily become, for me, the standard whereby I declare whether I am being faithful. Add on top of it the pressures that I am experiencing from those whom I love and respect, I quickly find myself feeling guilty when I don’t conform to the culture.
I stand convicted by the challenge presented by Paul in Galatians 3:2, “Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by believing what you heard?” It wasn’t because I conformed to any church culture, family tradition, or lifestyle behavior. It was because I believed and trusted what I heard. By grace I have been saved, through faith. It is not of myself but a gift from You (Ephesians 2:8-9)!
Give me courage today to stand boldly, as Paul did, and resist the temptations from external forces to conform. Even if the tradition looks right and I find other believers following in it faithfully, grant Your child the wisdom and discernment to know and understand if it is right for me. I am who I am by Your grace (1 Corinthians 15:10). You are doing Your work in me, molding and shaping me into the person You have called me to be. Continue to remind me that not only my salvation but what my obedience looks like depends solely upon You. In the Name of Jesus, the One Who removed the shackles of bondage from me, I pray. Amen.