PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Acts 19:32-41
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“Since these facts are undeniable, you ought to calm down and not do anything rash.” (Acts 19:36)
I like the reasoning of this non Jesus follower, we can learn from him.
What do we do when our professor is mocking religious beliefs?
What do we do when one of our children chooses not to believe?
What do we do when our government clamps down on religious freedom?
What do we do when the media presents our faith as foolish and comical?
What do we do when our new neighbours are of a different faith?
“You ought to calm down and not do anything rash.” (Acts 19:36)
If what we believe is true, then calm down and let the truth stand for itself.
Sometimes I find christians losing their cool when their faith is attacked.
The city clerk is convinced that his beliefs are undeniable.
Are we convinced that our beliefs are undeniable?
Even if we have doubts, don’t get worked up about it.
We are most likely to be foolish and comical when we are agitated and rash.
Jesus is Saviour and Lord, not you; relax and rest in him, he can defend himself!
PRAYER
Lord, help me to not let the devil make me agitated and rash, no matter what is happening. Help me to stay calm, like you, trusting that God has everything in hand!
The city clerk in this reading is amazing. He is able to lower the temperature of the frenzy – many people there didn’t even know why they were there or the reason for all the fuss. The Clerk says: “calm down and not do anything rash” – and is able to redirect the claims of the craftsmen (who were really trying to eliminate a threat to their lucrative business) to the courts. HS you have guided me to the right words in past situations and it is my prayer that you will always continue to do so – that I too may see past the ‘colour’ and speak to the truth. Help me to be a calming influence – to your glory, Lord Jesus!
Stop.
Think.
Do not act rashly.
All too often with opposite views people get heated in arguments. Speak the truth in love and God will take care of it. Being angry, hot headed will only make matters worse. Be calm and carry on. Have a quiet effect upon others and that will take the wind out of their sales. Be an instrument of peace by example.
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.