Acts 26:21-32
At this point Festus interrupted Paul's defense. "You are out of your mind, Paul!" he shouted. "Your great learning is driving you insane." "I am not insane, most excellent Festus," Paul replied. "What I am saying is true and reasonable. The king is familiar with these things, and I can speak freely to him. I am convinced that none of this has escaped his notice, because it was not done in a corner. King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do." Then Agrippa said to Paul, "Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?" Paul replied, "Short time or long-I pray God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains."
When Paul appeals in front of King Agrippa, King Agrippa could feel his persuasion. Paul's answer was admirable - he was not embarrassed and neither did he feel he owed the king an explanation. As far as Paul is concerned, the most important thing is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and everything else is secondary for him.
Do not fight the wrong battle in life. During Paul's ministry, he had been imprisoned, charged, misunderstood. From a human being's point of view, each battle was reasonable, but praise God, Paul did not choose to fight any of these battles. If Paul chose to fight these battles, each one of these battle could have consumed him and he would not have been able to finish God's work. But Paul did not fight the wrong battle, as he said in the book of Philippians, "But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice." Paul already knew there was a more important battle to fight, which is to ultimately preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. Hence, although he may be locked up in chains, attacked by his enemies or misunderstood by his friends, he knew there was a more important battle to fight, which he cannot afford to lose.
In Philippians 1:20, Paul says, "I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death." In other words, as long as he could win the battle and preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, he could give up anything. Many people often quarrel about minor details or things in life. In the end, they causes hurt to themselves and those around them, and they also lose God's blessings. Let us learn from Paul's example!
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.