Day 86/260: Read Galatians 2

Say one thing, do the opposite. That is the very height of hypocrisy, and even the apostle Peter failed in this regard. It should come as no surprise that hypocrisy is one of the leading reasons people give for not attending religious services.

Instead of browbeating those who neglect the grace of God, can we examine ourselves for a minute? Are we preventing other people from developing a proper relationship with Jesus because of our actions?

Look at what happened in this chapter: Peter, Paul, and Barnabas were in Antioch, fellowshipping with Gentile Christians. Then some Jews came to town, and Peter separated himself from the Gentiles. Not only that, Barnabas, the great encourager, stopped eating with the Gentiles as well. Peter sinned in his actions, and he influenced others to sin as well.

Our influence is so important. Our Lord said, “But however causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea” (Matthew 18:6).

Let’s do our very best to live a life that positively influences others and draws them to Christ, rather than being the reason for people to reject the gospel.

Memory (Read aloud 5-10 times)

Galatians 2:20. I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

Pray

Pray to be a better example for those around you.