Acts 16:16-25, “And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying: The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation. And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour. And when her masters saw that the hope of their gains was gone, they caught Paul and Silas, and drew them into the marketplace unto the rulers, And brought them to the magistrates, saying, These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city, And teach customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe, being Romans. And the multitude rose up together against them: and the magistrates rent off their clothes, and commanded to beat them. And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely: Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks. And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.” Colossians 4:6, “Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.”
The world typically responds to life's problems and heartaches by complaining, whining and looking for someone to blame. But as God's children we should respond very differently. The world is always watching us as Christians.
The Apostle Paul and the other disciples were doing something right and good. They were preaching the Gospel and leading lost sinners to Jesus Christ. A demon-possessed woman began to follow them, telling people to listen to them. I think by associating with them, since people knew that she was insane, she was trying to discredit their Gospel message. Paul rebuked the demon and healed the woman of her affliction. She got saved by faith in Jesus Christ. When the wicked men who used her as a means of making lots of money, from her soothsaying supernatural abilities, and saw that she no longer had this witchcraft skill, they hated Paul and the disciples. These wicked men beat the disciples and had them cast into prison, where they were locked down in shackles in maximum security. As they sat rotting in prison, the disciples had every right to moan and complain. But that is not what they did! The disciples sang praises to God!!! The Bible says in Acts 16:25b, “and the prisoners heard them.” Colossians 4:6, “Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.”
This is what I call a believer's “God language.” When we have problems and burdens, and the world hears us praising God and singing hymns, they will take notice and want what we have. Sadly, many believers complain and vent hatred, which is no better than what the heathen world does. Dear reader, how are you and I any different from than lost and dying world? This is what the Bible means in Hebrews 12:14-15, “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;” Our language makes a difference!
Why would the world want what we have as Christians if we talk and react the same as they do? Everyone has problems, whether you are saved or unsaved. But how we react to life's problems makes all the difference in whether we lead people to Jesus or drive them further away. Having a right attitude matters! The world is nasty, filthy, irresponsible, wicked and full of hatred for Jesus and Christians (John 7:7; 15:19). They are doing what they are supposed to do, living in gross immorality and selfishness. That is what an unsaved person does!!!
If we don't behave any different than the lost and dying world, then why would they want what we have? I wouldn't! The world is always watching us as God's saints. When you are a Christian the whole world is waiting for you to fall. But I believe deep in their heart lost people are hoping to see something that is real. Most religious people are phonies! So little of what is called of God today is truly righteous, good and true. False religion abounds. Conman like Benny Hinn, Oral Robert, Pat Robertson, Steve Pettit, Marty Herron and Mike Murdoch, dupe the masses out of their money, whom the Bible says their damnation slumbereth not (meaning God has already damned them, it is just a matter of time before they go to Hell).
I challenge you dear read, if you are a redeemed child of God, that you start talking like a child of God. Start using statements in public like, “Praise the Lord!” and “God willing” and “Amen.” People will pickup quickly that you are a Christian. That is why I wear my “JESUS” cap everywhere I go, letting people know that I am a born-again child of God. May we all start seasoning our language with God's grace, redeeming the time because the days are evil.
No comments:
Post a Comment