Don’t Be Night and Day Different.

I woke this Monday morning to a situation as different as night and day from the weekend.

We held our annual Richards reunion over the weekend. When we were at my sister’s for the main events, we were a crowd of up to 31 family members and a couple of close friends. When not at her house, I was in a rental house with my immediate family of 10 (8 adults and 2 children).

This morning, my wife had already headed to the office when I got up to start my day.

Things felt as different as night and day.

Don’t Be Night and Day Different. #hope #joy #writingcommunity Share on X

In fact, I almost feel like a different person. My surroundings are different. I’m in my house where I can walk through and turn on every light—almost without looking. I know where all the utensils are, what to expect at every turn, and, at this time anyway, I’m alone (my comfort zone). But here’s the question…

Am I the same person in both situations?

I’ll ask you that question. Are you the same person no matter your situation?

There was at least one instance, where one of Jesus’ followers reprimanded another. In Galatians, we read where Paul had words with Peter (called Cephas in the Scripture) because Peter was acting one way in a certain setting and another way when the setting changed. In this passage, Paul refers to Peter eating with the Gentiles until some of the Jewish leaders showed up, then Peter refused to eat with the Gentiles.

It very much looked like Peter was letting his situation determine his faith. That didn’t sit well with Paul. He clearly believed Peter should have been the same person no matter the setting. If he was willing to mingle with those believers who held to different traditions before the Jewish leaders showed up, he should be willing to continue doing so after they showed up.

“But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. For prior to the coming of some men from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles; but when they came, he began to withdraw and separate himself, fearing those from the circumcision.” (Galatians 2:11-12, NASB)

Let’s remain true to ourselves and to the Lord we serve. And as my wife has always said to our family, no matter the situation we find ourselves in, “Remember who you are and whose you are.” Don’t be night and day different.

Today’s feature photo comes from a “photo-a-day” challenge I pursued several years ago. The photo inspires the topic. For me, the posts challenge my creativity, writing discipline, and dependence on God for His message. My prayer is that you find hope in God’s Word, and that you’ll share your hope with others.