Acts 15:22-35. Some new Christians were preaching and teaching in Antioch, but they were often teaching what they thought to be true, and often contradicting each other, causing much confusion. The apostles met and decided to send a letter to the Christians in Antioch with Paul, Barnabas, Judas Barsabbas, and Silas. When the messengers arrived in Antioch they delivered the message that no greater burden was to be laid upon the people other than abstaining from meat sacrificed to idols and blood or meat from strangled animals, and from unchastity. "If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well." The people of Antioch rejoiced when they heard this, and Judas and Silas, who were prophets, exhorted and strengthened them further before leaving. Paul and Barnabas stayed on, "teaching and preaching the word of the Lord."

I can relate to how the people rejoiced when they heard what they were to do! We all wonder what we are to do so often! We want to be good people, and when we have heard and believed in the Gospel, we want to be faithful Christians, but the world is so confusing and we get conflicting messages from all sides. It's not usually the fault of the people giving us conflicting messages, unless they are trying to deceive us (which many are, we have to watch out for them!), but it often comes down to the fact that each one of us brings our own personality, life story, biases, likes, dislikes, etc. to the Word. This is part of what makes the Church so vibrant and wonderful, but it's also the reason why it is not up to us to teach what we individually think is right. Instead, if we teach and preach at all (and not all are called to do so), we look we must teach the Truth, that is why Jesus established the Church, as shown here in Acts.

The Church, led by the Holy Spirit, is in the unique position of being the arbiter of Truth and Revelation to the people. We need some source of definitive answers in this fallen world, and the Church is it. Thus, when confused, look to the Church and Church teaching. Even if the rules are difficult, they will bring peace and joy and end the confusion.