As we continue to walk through our time of considering walking in the Spirit, I would like you to think about some distinct differences between what I am asking you to do and what the world might normally see in a person who is not like everyone else. I don’t mean weird, but unique. They look at things differently because they have insight the average person may not have – and it positions them to step up and be bold with their decisions. Not because you are smarter or more privileged than others, but because God’s Spirit rests inside of you.

In Acts 3:1 – 8, we read the story of Peter healing a beggar (in the Temple) who had been crippled from birth. Because this happened in the Temple and not by one of the Sadducees or Pharisees, Peter, John, and the others were condemned and arrested. When brought before the Sanhedrin, we see an interesting concept conveyed in the next chapter and verse 13: “The members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, for they could see that they were ordinary men with no special training in the Scriptures. They also recognized them as men who had been with Jesus.”

Yesterday we discussed the fact that God will take us ordinary people and use us to achieve something extraordinary. If we look at Peter’s answer (3:4 – 6) we can find the difference in how he approached the beggar differently than we might: “Peter and John looked at him intently, and Peter said, “Look at us!” The lame man looked at them eagerly, expecting some money. But Peter said, “I don’t have any silver or gold for you. But I’ll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene get up and walk!” Most of us would have probably given him money and felt like we did him a favor. Some might say that would be an act of kindness or love. Only we would know the answer as it could have just as easily been: “I have some spare change I can do without.” An act of pride.

What Peter did required courage. What the average person might have done could constitute pride. We must be ready to take the motivation, analyze it with the Spirit’s filter, and decide whether to step out with courage or be prideful. You see, to step out with courage requires confidence in God to perform the supernatural or potentially being embarrassed by trying to perform an act that would bolster one’s pride. Peter’s success came from his confidence after failing miserably only 6 weeks before (Matthew 26:69 – 75.) The difference was his perspective of his position in Christ after the resurrection and ascension.

We are fortunate that we know by reading and experience that we have the Father’s, Christ’s, and the Holy Spirit’s backing. You grew up in that culture. At least that is what your mom and I tried to convey. There should be surety because of our faith and the massive documentation that our faith is counter-cultural and not based on a self-serving religious viewpoint. Christians should be anything but obsessive, external, proud, or focused on philosophies. When the Spirit inhabits us we carry ourselves modestly, personally, loving, loyal, and dependent on God. That is what empowers us with the courage to be different rather than prideful. Our deeds focus on what serves the Kingdom — not ourselves.

Kids, I hope you understand that I am not trying to lecture you, because I speak from experience. Every one of us is prideful in one way or another. I am guilty and, as Paul would say, “chief among sinners.” However, I have learned that being prideful always seems to come back and bite you in the bum. Pride is the basis of all sin. It is what got Satan thrown out of Heaven. Have courage to be different. Have courage to be God’s man or woman. Have courage to say the unexpected. And have courage to do the unusual. In doing so you will become extraordinary – eternally.

Love Dad