What I am Makes no Difference

Scripture: And from those who were supposed to be acknowledged leaders (what they actually were makes no difference to me; God shows no partiality) — those leaders contributed nothing to me. Galatians 2:6

Observation: Paul retells the story of him going to the council of Jerusalem 15 years after his conversion. There, he presents the gospel as it has been revealed to him, and the council does not correct any part of his message while Peter, James, and John commission him as an apostle to the gentiles. 

Of the members of the council, he refers to them in this way ... that they were "supposed to be acknowledged leaders" and that it makes no difference what they actually were. Paul is dismissing the idea of titles and leadership, or at least he is clarifying the source of authority. Authority comes from the Lord, and not from position. While later he calls Peter, James, and John "pillars", this is clearly due to their authority from God that manifests as spirit-filled understanding.

The members of the council of Jerusalem were considered the leaders of the early church. Paul waves away that idea because he does not know their true credentials for leadership. Those credentials are not their position on the council but their relationship with the Lord and thus only the authority the Lord has bestowed upon them through the Holy Spirit. Anyone could be a leader, as God shows no partiality, but by faith in Jesus, and relationship with the Holy Spirit, some truly lead.

Application: What am I in the church? Some would say I am a leader, but is that only because of my position as a pastor's spouse? Do I have enough of the gifts of the spirit to actually be a leader?

I have said before that I am reaching a point where I may be considered an old, wise man of the church, especially to younger men. But am I actually anything other than just ... old? I know whom at church I acknowledge as true leaders, and that is completely based on their obvious spirit-given actions, behaviors, knowledge, wisdom, peace, and grace.

Again I see that only my relationship with the Lord - manifested in a life led by the Holy Spirit - makes a difference. No title or position is 'real' before God, except those bestowed by the Lord and empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Prayer: Lord, I will strive to live by the Holy Spirit today and every day. May I consider your direction at every turn today, and in every day of my life. I often know the truth of how to live within your will, but I am only now learning how to properly live. Please forgive my past failings and my lack of understanding, and again take my hand so I may humbly walk with you. Amen.