The Gamaliel Principle

So, last night at Journey we were discussing Acts chapter 5. And there's a lot of weird stuff in there, and there's some good nuggets of info, too. I was exhausted from another marathon weekend away from home, so I didn't get to share thoughts at Journey, so i figure I'll share them here, as I know at least a few of the people who attend church with us also read my blog.

What really stands out is what Ryan refers to as the "Gamaliel Principle" (at least I think that's the terminology he used). The NASB records the passage thusly:

But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the Law, respected by all the people, stood up in the Council and gave orders to put the men outside for a short time. And he said to them, "Men of Israel, take care what you propose to do with these men. For some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and a group of about four hundred men joined up with him. But he was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and came to nothing.After this man, Judas of Galilee rose up in the days of the census and drew away some people after him; he too perished, and all those who followed him were scattered.So in the present case, I say to you, stay away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or action is of men, it will be overthrown; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them; or else you may even be found fighting against God."

Now, we always are encouraged by Ryan and Trevor to look for the implication of a passage in our lives, rather than just the application.

And maybe I'm just oversimplifying things. Or maybe I'm too big a part of the television generation. But I see the implication here pretty plain as day.

The name of my blog is taken from a Nike campaign. The implication I see in the Gamaliel Principle is taken from an earlier Nike campaign.

Just Do it.

Is it not obvious that if God is calling us to action, we need to just do it? If we're unsure if it's God, and we don't act, these are the outcomes:

1) It really was God, and it should have been done, and we really missed the boat.
2) It wasn't God, and nothing at all has changed.

If we're unsure if it's god and we do act, these are the outcomes:

1) It really is God, and there is nothing to be done to stop us from accomplishing it.
2) It really isn't God, and no matter how hard we try it won't work.

So the best case scenario from not doing it is pretty much the same thing as the worst case scenario from doing it: nothing changes. So, perhaps the best way to decide if the prompting within us is from God or from us is to try, and see if it works. Seems like the Gamaliel Principle to me.

just do it