10 Greet Apelles, tested and approved in Christ. Greet those who belong to the household of Aristobulus.
When I was younger there was the “Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval” that was attached to products for sale. Those words meant that the organization had tested and approved the product, they found that it did what it claimed, and did it safely. Back in the days before massive, costly, oppressive government regulation, outside organizations provided this kind of service. Or your neighbor made the product you were purchasing, so you knew the character of your neighbor would be reflected in the product they produced. Consumer Report still provides reviews of products along with ratings. Now with the internet you can surf and find product reviews. But I want to ask you one question, a question we all need to ask about those reviews. “Who is being paid to do the review?” That is an important question. If you read a review of this BLOG written by me, how objective would it be? If I hid my identity in writing the review, would it change my objectivity? The man named Apelles had is life examined by outside sources and Paul read the reviews. They were positive reviews. If everyone in your life wrote a review about your Christian walk, the degree to which your life matches that of Jesus, what would be the content? One of the roles of Biblical fellowship is the opportunity to get honest feedback on your walk. Are you asking for that honest feedback from those who know you best? Maybe today would be a good day to start asking.
The Arnold Journey 