Paul reached Derbe, and then Lystra, where there was a disciple named Timothy. He was the son of a believing Jewish woman and a Greek father. 2 The brothers and sisters in Lystra and Iconium spoke well of him. 3 Paul wanted to take Timothy with him, so he circumcised him. This was because of the Jews who lived in those areas, for they all knew Timothy’s father was Greek. 4 As Paul and his companions traveled through the cities, they instructed Gentile believers to keep the regulations put in place by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem. 5 So the churches were strengthened in the faith and every day their numbers flourished. 6 Paul and his companions traveled throughout the regions of Phrygia and Galatia because the Holy Spirit kept them from speaking the word in the province of Asia. 7 When they approached the province of Mysia, they tried to enter the province of Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus wouldn’t let them. 8 Passing by Mysia, they went down to Troas instead. (Acts 16:1-8, CEB)
As I read this passage I wondered why did Paul circumcise Timothy. It says because of the Jews who lived in the area, knew Timothy’s father was Greek. So, what does that have to do with Timothy?
Can you think about the things you do to keep an outward appearance of being a disciple? I know there are things about my appearance I wonder how people will take. I have several piercings in my ears and now a couple on my face. And I am considering getting more. And I have several tattoos. Some of which are easily covered, but some are not. And should I cover these up? Is it my worry how my appearance will be accepted? Well yes and no. I am who God created me to be and I will attract some people to me based on that and some will not follow after me based on appearance.
I have the same concerns when I put on a collar for being a pastor. Some will see the collar and not talk to me and others will.
We can not control how others see us, so we need to do what we need to to make ourselves and God happy.
So love yourself as God loves you and love everyone else the same as that.
Loving People. Loving God.
aSacredRebel 