they went their separate ways

Thursday (April 28, 2016): Psalm 67; Proverbs 2:1-5; Acts 15:36-41

Acts 15:39  Their argument became so intense that they went their separate ways. Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus.

I have certainly read this passage many times before, but maybe it was that today it was with Psalm 67, or maybe it was just the times we are in, but this really stood out to me.  Certainly Paul is one of the models of the Christian faith.  Not only a model, but through his writings and his life in Christ he is one of the most influential Christians as well.  He, you could say to some degree, wrote the book on the Christian faith.  Yet, here he is in an intense argument with another giant in the faith, Barnabas. What's up with that?
They not only argued, but they went there separate ways. Now we know that the Bible is not a propaganda book.  It doesn't hide the flaws of it's heroes and it doesn't bend the truth.  It is what it is.  But you still have to take notice of the fact that Paul and Barnabas just couldn't see eye to eye.
I think that in this life, especially in these politically charged times, there are many of us Christians that don't see eye to eye with other Christians on practical matters.  I think that is OK.  I don't know if I side with Paul here or Barnabas, but I don't think it really matters which side we are on.  God judges fairly, and I don't think he judges necessarily on whether we bring John Mark with us or not.  He will make all things work together for good for those who are in Christ Jesus.  But to work together to bring the good doesn't mean that it is  a gentle ride on the journey.
It is not who is right here that matters.  In fact you could argue that their unwillingness to concede is a valuable attribute.  I think that maybe "sticking to our guns" so to speak, can be a sign of faith as well as a sign of pride. Faith, in that we know God judges fairly and He works all things together for good.  Maybe when we get too self righteous and hold others to standards that we cannot live up to ourselves, we are lacking faith. Maybe we should be free to live as the Spirit leads, even when it may seem controversial.

Heavenly Father, help me by your Holy Spirit to trust you no matter what path you lead me on.  Help me to be true to my faith and not always second guess myself and others, but to pursue your righteousness over my own.   Amen