Excerpt from Acts 21:20-23

"Then they said to Paul: 'You see, brother, how many thousands of Jews have believed, and all of them are zealous for the law.  They have been informed that you teach all the Jews who live among the Gentiles to turn away from Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or live according to our customs.  What shall we do?  They will certainly hear that you have come, so do what we tell you." (NIV)

Reflection by Kenneth L. Samuel

A political cartoon depicts President Barack Obama standing between two men with angry expressions.  The man on the right points a finger at the President and shouts "Socialist!"  The man on the left points a finger at the President and shouts "Sellout!"  In the middle of this convergence of anger, President Obama flashes a big smile and says, "Sweet Spot!"

Many people claim that to be at the center of conflicting ideas and opposing opinions is valueless.  Many believe that compromise is never a viable option.  We've seen this attitude on display in the U.S. Congress, we've seen it deteriorate ecumenical relations among Christian denominations and dilute the impetus for multi-faith dialogue and respect.  We've even seen this attitude in ourselves from time to time, when we've allowed ourselves to become so stringently polarized that we are openly hostile to any attempt to bridge the distance between our perspective and a differing one.

But the cartoonist who depicted Obama's stance between two opposing ideologies was on to something.  Very rarely does any one side have a lock on all the truth.  And while there is a time to take a stand and stand firm, the door of dialogue and compromise with others should never be shut completely.  Center spots are not easy spots to be in, but sometimes they serve as the axle that holds the wheel of the community together.

In many respects, the Apostle Paul led a reform movement within Judaism that put him at odds with many in his faith tradition.  He could have advanced his cause with no regard for the concerns or beliefs of those who disagreed with him.  Instead, he followed the advice of a council of his religious cohorts and submitted himself to the Jewish rites of purification, which he himself considered to be unnecessary.  In so doing, he was able continue his work among the Gentiles without disrespecting the religious traditions of his orthodox brothers and sisters.  Sweet Spot.

Prayer

Dear God, please don't allow my passion for what I believe to disconnect me completely from those in my community with different perspectives.  Keep me open to the sweet spots in my life.  Amen.

About the Author Kenneth L. Samuel is Pastor of Victory for the World Church, Stone Mountain, Georgia.

Give it Up! Lent Devotionals 2012 from the Stillspeaking Writers' Group. Click here to order.