This week we’re discussing Acts 15.

The iconic sitcom I Love Lucy, starring Lucille Ball, originally aired from 1951 to 1957. It was

before my time, but I watched a couple dozen episodes as re-runs as a kid (I’ll pause here in

case you want to search YouTube for “Lucy chocolate conveyor belt”). Most of the time (or

maybe it was all the time) the plot centered around a series of misunderstandings that resulted

in Lucy trying to execute an unnecessarily convoluted scheme, but it always got sorted out at

the end. And of course there are still comedies today that follow a similar formula.

Even as a kid I found myself saying, “If you guys would just ask simple follow-up questions, your

lives would be a lot easier!” Of course this would make for much less entertaining television:

1950’s Husband: We need more bread around here.

1950’s Wife: You mean bread like money? Do I need to rush out and take the first quirky and ill-

suited part-time job I can find the minute you leave the room?

1950’s Husband: No, I mean literal bread. I want to make a sandwich.

The End.

One lesson here is that a group of mature, well-adjusted, clear communicators would not make

for an interesting sitcom. But another more important lesson is regarding how we should actively

seek to avoid causing difficulties for others who are seeking God.

Therefore, in my judgment, we should not cause difficulties for those among the Gentiles

who turn to God, but instead we should write to them… (Acts 15:19-20 HCSB)

The larger passage from which this is taken is specifically regarding dietary practices, but I think

we can apply the thinking more broadly. Instead of causing difficulties for other believers, we

should proactively seek to communicate clearly with them.

Do you fear that somebody may have misunderstood something you said? Write to them (or

yes, call or text or email them). Is there somebody new to church who may not know what to

expect at an upcoming church or Bible study class event? Reach out and make sure they know

and/or offer to meet them there personally. And if some uncertainty is making you hesitate to

participate in a group activity, let me encourage you to similarly reach out to somebody who’s

been around for a while.

Oh, and there’s another source for guidance…

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; think

about Him in all your ways, and He will guide you on the right paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6 HCSB)

By Mark Stuart

Mark is the husband of Laura, father of Shelby and Jacob, and father-in-law of Bailey.