Acts Chapter 15: Verses 28-29 (NLT)
“For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay no greater burden on you than these few requirements: You must abstain from eating food offered to idols, from consuming blood or the meat of strangled animals, and from sexual immorality. If you do this, you will do well. Farewell.”
Matthew Chapter 11: Verses 28-30 (NLT)
Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”
The disciples exercised great wisdom in seeking to counsel the new Gentile believers. They set aside personal opinions, and took their guidance from the Holy Spirit Himself. He did not put any great burdens on these new Christians, who were greatly encouraged by the teaching they received.
As Christians we can be tempted to rush about doing things for God. But what is the Holy Spirit directing us to do? He will never put pressure on us.
Jesus told us that His yoke is easy and His burden is light. Thus, if we are feeling under pressure, its not pressure from God. More often its pressure from ourselves, or from others, and we should take stock about what we’re doing, and why we’re doing it.
Remember, God only has our best interests at heart. We also need to be careful how we encourage new Christians. We need to guide and counsel them only as the Holy Spirit directs, and not put them under any undue pressure.
Dear Lord,
I thank You for the grace and wisdom that comes to us through the Holy Spirit. May I never seek to strive to do things for You that You have not asked for. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.