“For before certain men came from James, he was eating with the Gentiles; but when they came he drew back and separated himself, fearing the circumcision party.” – Galatians 2:12
Sometimes Christians lose their courage… around other Christians! Even the most mature Christian can find themself tempted to back away from the more radical aspects of obedience to Christ because they don’t want to be questioned or criticized by less mature believers. They back away from sacrifices, people, or situations that could make others uncomfortable. Peter certainly did and Paul had to call him out for his error. Peter understood the glorious gospel truth that in Christ, Jews and Gentiles are one people with no dividing wall any longer. For years, He lived that out. Then, some other Jewish Christians came to town and made him nervous.
Peter stopped eating with Gentile Christians because he was afraid of the criticism of these other believers. This was wrong! It was a fundamental denial of the Gospel. However, his fear blinded him to this reality. Peter probably didn’t want to have to explain himself to these members of his own church. So Paul had to publicly rebuke his anti-gospel behavior.
This isn’t merely a problem in the past. It can be a very present problem for Christians today. Because faithful Christians develop a certain culture amongst themselves, it can be noticed and criticized whenever a believer steps beyond the traditions and expectations of that culture to really engage people who are different. And yet, that’s exactly what we’re all called to do.
Are there things that are commanded in the Bible that you’re nervous about doing because you think other believers will question or criticize you? Think carefully about this, because there probably should be. Identify those things and review the relevant Scriptures. If the Bible says to do them, then have the courage to do what the Lord desires, rather than limiting yourself to what’s approved of by fellow Christians. This is an important aspect of what it means to #FollowJesus