To What End?

Daily Reading: Acts 28

Scripture Focus: And when we came into Rome, Paul was allowed to stay by himself, with the soldier who guarded him. (Acts 28.16)

Devotional Thought: Though Paul was a prisoner, he was allowed to live by himself with a high degree of freedom - preaching and receiving visitors into his house.  Why did the Roman soldiers trust this prisoner so much?  They didn’t trust Paul because he asked them to, or because he told them he was a Christian.  They trusted him because he proved himself trustworthy: he had given counsel, warned against a secret mutiny, encouraged the passengers, survived a snake bite, and healed a Roman official’s father.

There are some who expect an automatic degree of trust because they testify to being Christians.  Have you ever seen the businesses or the people who try to capitalize on this?  They are usually easy to find in industries where the consumer relies, to a certain extent, upon the honesty of the businessman.  Of course, it’s absolutely appropriate to operate a business under Christian values.  And, those who do so with quiet consistency and strong conviction can be wonderful, public examples.  But, there is a certain degree of skepticism when our faith is used as a tool to promote our business interests!

We need more Christians like Paul.  He traveled far and wide preaching the gospel and was always grieved when the people gave him the awe and reverence that belonged to the Lord.  He was quick to correct such misconceptions, to point out his own weaknesses, and to redirect the honor right back to the Lord.  Paul never went anywhere expecting his name or his title to gain him special treatment or respect.  In this same way, may our lives, not simply our mouths, provide proof of our trustworthiness.

Jenny

Prayer: Lord, help me to be trustworthy for trustworthiness' sake.  May I refuse to use my faith to bargain for my own advantage, to "barter with" things eternal.  In my life, may you - only you! - be glorified.  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 76.1-7

1 In Judah God is known; his name is great in Israel.

2 His abode has been established in Salem, his dwelling place in Zion.

3 There he broke the flashing arrows, the shield, the sword, and the weapons of war. Selah

4 Glorious are you, more majestic than the mountains of prey.

5 The stouthearted were stripped of their spoil; they sank into sleep; all the men of war were unable to use their hands.

6 At your rebuke, O God of Jacob, both rider and horse lay stunned.

7 But you, you are to be feared! Who can stand before you when once your anger is roused?