One of my favorite leaders lives by a great saying, “let’s catch people doing things right”. This is uplifting in a world where we can easily criticize or be criticized. This theme gives freedom from worrying about mistakes and instead gives freedom to try new things, and for our attitudes to transform from fear into anticipation. Freedom from fear can spark innovation and creativity, and enables us to experience joy.
Years ago, our son’s grade school student-led conference focused on accentuating the positive. He showed us his test results, shared what he believes are his strengths, and what he was working to improve. We wouldn’t typically refer to him as someone bursting with pride or exterior confidence, but that day he was bold and confident, yet humble as he conveyed his progress so far. The model was set up to build, not tear down, and it was successful: He was caught doing things right.
In Acts 10 we find two devout men who separately experience a vision from God. The two visions are tied together and are part of a greater purpose – to share Christianity with the Gentiles.
The thing that caught my attention in this chapter about Peter was his obedience to God. His whole life he was taught to avoid certain foods and certain people, then after one vision from God, everything changes. First, he can eat bacon (hallelujah!), and second, he can freely associate with non-Jews (hallelujah to that as well as I love my Jewish friends!).
As for Cornelius, Acts Chapter 10 verses 2 and 22 refer to him as devout, one who feared God, a generous giver, in continuous prayer, and well spoken of by the whole Jewish nation. Don’t miss the importance stressed here on giving to the poor. Jesus loves the poor, and the way we treat the poor is well-noticed by God.
4 Cornelius stared at him in terror. “What is it, sir?” he asked the angel.
And the angel replied, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have been received by God as an offering! (Acts 10:4)
Peter and Cornelius had their hearts and actions right with God, they were caught doing things right, and that is why I believe they received such great visions and callings. Their prayers and the way they lived brought them into close fellowship with God, and in both situations after the visions they took immediate action.
Our God is not some lightning-throwing bully waiting for us to mess up; he is a loving God, seeking relationship with us, seeking for our hearts to turn to him as father, and to his son Jesus for salvation from our sins that separate us from God. He is the ultimate example of one who is looking to catch us doing things right.
but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. (Acts 10:35)
Today let’s close with a reflection and paraphrase Acts Chapter 10 verses 38-43:
Jesus lived on this earth, did good things, and healed people. Regardless of his goodness and love, he was brutally tortured and hung on a tree until death. His accusers were dead wrong in their thinking that they had defeated him. Jesus came back from the dead, thus defeating death, and commanded us to share this story so that everyone who believes in him will be forgiven.
Takeaway actions and questions:
- If you’re like me, there are people in your life you’ve tried to catch doing things wrong. Change your (and their) attitude for the better and catch them doing things right today!
- Considering the focus on giving to the poor, in what way is God calling you to give more generously, especially to the poor?
- What story do you have about how Jesus changed your life, and are you ready and willing to share it with others?
- What are the big and small recent blessings in your life? Have you expressed the proper gratitude to God?