Acts 14: 19-20 ... They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, thinking he was dead. But after the disciples had gathered around him, he got up and went back into the city.
Wow. So the guy gets stoned so badly that people think he's dead and they drag his body out of the city. Then by some miracle he survives and then goes back into the city?! This is the power of God working in men. I mean who would go back into the city where you had just been stoned and continue doing what you were doing? I have to say, I don't know if I would.
Persecution is a scary thought, especially for those of us here in America where persecution is only as bad as risking someone's disdain. We live in comfort, and despite the strengthening anti-christian views being propagated by the media and government, we get to worship when, where, and how we want. What privilege. But where is our passion? Where is the zeal with which Paul fearlessly made known the mysteries of the gospel? We have the freedom here to share the Good News with everyone we meet, yet we don't. What is the worst that could happen to us? Maybe they won't want to keep talking to us. Maybe they will repent with a broken heart! But what are we afraid of?!
Jesus Freaks is a book written by DC Talk. It tells stories of persecuted Christians that have followed in Paul's footsteps, never letting up. These stories scare me. They humble me. They challenge me. I want to be able to have that boldness. But what is it that inhibits me? My own fear maybe? Kind of a lame excuse though considering where I live. I don't know what holds me back. But I definitely want to shine. I want to start with my actions. I want people to see me as a man of faith. A man of integrity. A man who is different than the men of this world.
As the school year is approaching and I prepare to head back to my classroom, I resolve to be that man of God that I need to be. From the first day I want to reveal the character of Christ. True I won't be stoned for my faith, and the "persecution" that I face is nothing compared to what others are going through. But I want to live my faith.
Holy spirit please fill me with conviction. Reveal to my heart the ways I can show the love of Christ in my workplace. Help me to be the man of God you are calling me to be. I want people to see you in and through me. Help me to filter my words so that they are always honoring to you. God, please help me to shine for you. Convict me of my fear, shame, and trepidation at living and speaking for you. You are worthy of a servant as bold as Paul. Please help me to be that man.
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