A Life That Backs Up the Message
A Life That Backs Up the Message
Monday
"Now from Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called the elders of the church to come to him. And when they came to him, he said to them: 'You yourselves know how I lived among you the whole time from the first day that I set foot in Asia, serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials that happened to me through the plots of the Jews.'"
— Acts 20:17-19 (ESV)
"So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us."
— 1 Thessalonians 2:8 (ESV)
— Acts 20:17-19 (ESV)
"So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us."
— 1 Thessalonians 2:8 (ESV)
Reflect:
When the apostle said goodbye to the Ephesian elders, he didn't point to sermons, statistics, or accomplishments. He pointed to the way he lived among them. They had watched him serve with humility, weep with compassion, and endure trials without quitting. The gospel he preached was the gospel he lived. That is still how the world weighs our witness. People are not only listening to what we say about Jesus; they are watching whether Jesus has actually changed us. Humility, tears, and perseverance are not signs of weakness. They are evidence of a heart that has been met by grace. You do not have to be impressive to be faithful. You simply have to be present, honest, and devoted to Christ in the ordinary days others can see.
When the apostle said goodbye to the Ephesian elders, he didn't point to sermons, statistics, or accomplishments. He pointed to the way he lived among them. They had watched him serve with humility, weep with compassion, and endure trials without quitting. The gospel he preached was the gospel he lived. That is still how the world weighs our witness. People are not only listening to what we say about Jesus; they are watching whether Jesus has actually changed us. Humility, tears, and perseverance are not signs of weakness. They are evidence of a heart that has been met by grace. You do not have to be impressive to be faithful. You simply have to be present, honest, and devoted to Christ in the ordinary days others can see.
Consider:
- If the people closest to you described how you have lived among them, what would they say?
- Who has God placed in your life to whom you could share "not only the gospel of God but also your own self"?
Pray:
Lord Jesus, let my life agree with my words. Make me humble, compassionate, and steady, so that others see You in me. Amen.
Lord Jesus, let my life agree with my words. Make me humble, compassionate, and steady, so that others see You in me. Amen.
Posted in Don\'t Shrink Back - Acts 20:17-38
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