August 7, 2020
Controversy seems to be everywhere we look. Should school be in-person or e-learning, should sports take place or be delayed, should restaurants be able to seat 50%, etc.? I have been involved in many discussions among co-workers, customers, family and friends regarding these topics. I depend on my own “vast experience” and expertise to sway the other party to my side. Occasionally, I let these debates get the “better” of me and I end up saying something I regret.
Matthew 10:16-20
I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. Be on your guard against men; they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues. On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.
Do you feel like you are a sheep thrown to the wolves many times? Are their situations that you are anxious, nervous, or worried about what you will say? In Matthew 10, Jesus is instructing the disciples before sending them out. Jesus knows that the disciples will be put into situations they cannot handle on their own. The Holy Spirit will overcome the situation working through the disciples. The Lord has blessed us with the Holy Spirit that we may have confidence in what the Holy Spirit may speak through us.
Colossians 4:2-6
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. Be wise in the way you act towards outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
Let us depend on the Holy Spirit to speak through us, and lean not on our own understanding, showing the love of Christ to others and making the most of the opportunities that we are given.
Brian