“God knows people’s hearts, and he confirmed that he accepts Gentiles by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as he did to us.” Acts 15:8 NLT
Spiritual disciplines are methods for keeping us close to God. They are not rules. In the days of the New Testament, believers began questioning the standard for who could legitimately say they were followers of Christ. Were Gentiles to be the first second-class Christians if they did not accept circumcision?
It does work that way in the American Kennel Club, so to speak. Dogs and bitches must be able to reproduce, to pass their genetics to progeny, if they are to remain eligible for show competition. Otherwise, they are out of the club!
But God does not require us to jump through hoops. We are not commanded to read the Bible everyday, to say a prayer before each and every meal, or to attend a church service every week. All of these things are practices which can bring us closer to God, but they do not make us Christians. And I do not propose we should do these things and others out of habit, although the consistent practitioner will definitely find it easier to encounter God. God does require our hearts to remain open to him and his guidance. Otherwise, perhaps we will no longer be “in the club.”
Look into my heart today, God, and purify me so that You may abide there, and I may rejoice!
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