Just Like You - Paul And Barnabas

When the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard what was happening, they tore their clothing in dismay and ran out among the people, shouting, “Friends, why are you doing this? We are merely human beings—just like you!”

Acts 14:14-15

Perhaps you remember the 1980s Saturday Night Live character Enid Strict, also known as the Church Lady, the smug, ill-tempered, self-righteous, annoyingly pious host of her own talk show, Church Chat. After spending most of her show berating guests that she saw as nothing but nasty sinners, the Church Lady closed her show by doing her “superior dance.”

Hit it, Pearl!

The Church Lady spoofed what comedian Dana Carvey, who created and played the character, saw as holier-than-thou churchgoers. She was an example of someone you would never want to be.

Paul and his missionary companion Barnabas demonstrated an attitude of humility and tolerance as they faced sin and idolatry in a city called Lystra. There they healed a crippled man then watched in horror as the locals, who believed them to be the pagan deities Zeus and Hermes, began worshiping them.

That had to be an offensive spectacle to a couple of devout Jews like Paul and Barnabas! They didn’t respond in anger, disgust, or with any air of superiority.

Paul and Barnabas continued to love these sinners even though they hated the sin.

The Lystrans’ attempts to worship Paul and Barnabas grieved the two missionaries, so they sent a message that they were no better than anyone else there that day. All of them together were sinners saved by God’s grace.

What kind of messages are you sending to those around you?

You’ll be a more consistent and effective example of Jesus Christ’s saving and transforming power when you approach others as a regular human being who is saved only because of God’s wonderful grace.