“But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. For before certain men came from James, he was eating with the Gentiles; but when they came he drew back and separated himself, fearing the circumcision party. And the rest of the Jews acted hypocritically along with him, so that even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy.” Galatians 2:11-13

Do you change what you are doing or saying when certain people walk in the room? Preachers realize the mood changes when they walk in the room. That is why they listen before they “turn the corner.”

Now, there are times when confidentiality requires a change of subject when certain people enter the room. If you are telling a friend about the anniversary present you have bought for your spouse, it would be prudent to stop talking when your spouse enters the room. Some conversations of parents do not need to be heard by “little ears.”

In addition, there are times our conduct changes. We were taught to stand when a lady enters the room. Before she appeared, remaining seated was acceptable. We may hug a friend, but simply shake the hand of a stranger. We use the fine china when special guests come for dinner. We might even cook something instead of order “fast food.”

The problem with changes in conduct and language is when we are trying to cover who we really are. Sometimes, we change our language because we don’t want others to hear our foul mouth. Sometimes, we change our conduct because we don’t want others to know what we are doing.

In Antioch, Peter was enjoying a fellowship meal with Gentiles until Jewish friends appeared. As soon as the friends appeared, Peter separated from the Gentiles. One could picture Peter, with BBQ sauce on his cheeks, trying to hide what he was doing when his Jewish friends entered the room.

Years ago, I visited a church member unexpectedly. When his wife opened the door, he was holding a can of beer. He quickly put the can of beer behind himself in the recliner and sat on it. I pretended I didn’t notice, but I did stay an extra thirty minutes to make sure his beer was warm.

Paul’s confrontation of Peter in this situation was an encouragement to be real. In Antioch, the “real Peter” needed to stand up. Peter needed to be consistent. If he thought eating with the Gentiles was appropriate, he should have remained with them when his Jewish friends appeared. If the gentleman drinking a beer thought it was appropriate before the preacher came, he should have kept it in public when the preacher arrived.

Credibility is found in consistency. The person that is believable is the person who is real. Even if they disagree with specific habits, at least they can be expected to show their real stripes. The admonition, “Practice what you preach,” is in vogue, not only for preachers, but for anyone who wants to be respected and make a positive impact on those around them. Today, may you reflect who you really are!

Dr. John A. Temple is pastor of Poplar Springs Drive Baptist Church, 4032 Poplar Springs Drive, Meridian. Visit the church website at www.psdc.org.