Devotion - Tuesday, October 5

This morning I was reading from the Book of Acts the accounts involving Apollos. In Acts 18 we learn of this man, who comes to Ephesus. He is a powerful speaker and able to refute those who opposed the message of Jesus. In I Corinthians, Paul speaks of Apollos, and the ways in which the two of them serve the Church. Paul acknowledges that their roles differ. Paul plants; Apollos waters. Paul lays the foundation; Apollos builds upon it.

Too infrequently, we give thought to those who have played various roles in our faith development. Typically, we latch onto one mentor or guide and attribute to them all the positive movement in our understanding and service. In reality, no one can build unless there is a foundation; no one can encourage growth were no seeds have been planted.

The additional advantage to remembering the various influences in our lives is the ability to see differences (sometimes subtle, sometimes profound) in those who have aided us. Paul and Apollos had their differences. Why would we expect there to be none between our models of faith? Recognizing and naming these differences allows us to see our own understanding being cobbled together out of various thoughts and beliefs.