If It Isn't Working...

Daily Reading: Acts 19

When some became stubborn and continued in unbelief, speaking evil of the Way before the congregation, he withdrew from them and took the disciples with him, reasoning daily in the hall of Tyrannus. This continued for two years, so that all the residents of Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks. (Acts 19.9-10)

Devotional Thought: Blanchard Horne, a retired minister and wonderful friend in my first church, used to tell me, “If something is working, keep on doing it.  But, if something isn’t working, then for the sake of the church and for God’s sake, quit doing it.”  That’s a hard lesson to learn.

The Apostle Paul was a proponent of that philosophy when he focused his ministry efforts on those who were responsive.  Paul had been opposed by synagogue attendees in Ephesus who spoke “evil of the Way before the congregation” (v. 9).  Instead of digging in and trying to force his way on them, Paul simply moved his Christian services to a public facility.  This decision led to a great revival in Ephesus.  Thousands heard the Word of God preached and hundreds turned to the Lord.  It made an impact on their local culture and even on the economy.  So great was the “threat” of this new Christian message, that the merchants rioted! 

What was the difference between the opposition Paul encountered in the synagogue and that which he encountered in the public square?  Why did Paul withdraw from the synagogue, yet persist in the community?  I think the explanation is in the results.  While he faced opposition in the community, he also witnessed great results.  In the synagogue, however, Paul could see that his ministry was not working.  He wasn’t afraid of conflict – even persecution.  What he was afraid of was wasting his time!

In the Church, are we content to simply punch our religious time clocks, to continue doing the same thing we’ve always done with no regard for results?  If it’s working, then keep at it.  If it isn't working, then look for something that will work!

Prayer: Lord, you said, "Behold I do a new thing."  Grant me wisdom to see when the old ways are not working and courage to do new things with you.  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 78.1-8

Give ear, O my people, to my teaching; incline your ears to the words of my mouth!

I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings from of old,

things that we have heard and known, that our fathers have told us.

We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done.

He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers to teach to their children,

that the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn, and arise and tell them to their children,

so that they should set their hope in God and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments;

and that they should not be like their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation, a generation whose heart was not steadfast, whose spirit was not faithful to God.