By Andrew Williams
“These witnesses testified, “This man never stops speaking against the holy Temple and against the law of Moses. We have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this Temple and change the customs Moses handed down to us.” – Acts 6:13-14 (NLT)
Good morning fellow disciples.
Acts 6:13-14 presents the specific charges leveled against Stephen. The false witnesses accuse him of continually speaking against the Temple and the Law of Moses. They twist his words, claiming he prophesied that Jesus would destroy the Temple and alter the customs passed down by Moses. These accusations struck at the heart of Jewish identity and religious practice. The Temple was the center of their worship, and the Law of Moses was the foundation of their society. By attacking these pillars, Stephen was perceived as a threat to the established order. The real issue, however, was the transition from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant established through Jesus Christ.
You, like Stephen, may face accusations that challenge your understanding of faith and tradition. There may be times when others misunderstand your perspective or misinterpret your intentions. Be encouraged: The essence of faith isn’t clinging to outdated structures, but embracing the living Word of God that transforms our hearts and minds. You are empowered to embrace change, to grow in your understanding of God ‘s will, and to live a life that reflects the true spirit of the gospel. Don’t be afraid to challenge traditions that hinder spiritual growth or contradict the teachings of Christ. God calls you to a living, dynamic faith, not a stagnant adherence to the past.
This week, examine your beliefs and practices. Are there any traditions or customs that you hold onto that may be hindering your spiritual growth or preventing you from fully embracing the new life offered through Christ? Be open to the possibility that God may be calling you to let go of certain things and embrace a new way of thinking and living. Study the Scriptures, seek godly counsel, and be willing to adjust your perspective as the Holy Spirit leads you. Remember, true faith is not about preserving the past, but about embracing the future that God has for you.
Redirect your focus to things that matter to God and not traditions that do not edify and build faith in the body of Christ.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to have a discerning heart and a mind that is open to Your truth. Show me any areas in my life where I am clinging to traditions or customs that may be hindering my spiritual growth. Give me the courage to let go of anything that is not aligned with Your will and to embrace the new life You have for me through Christ. Help me to live a life that is rooted in Your Word and guided by Your Spirit. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
