Saturday Reading: Acts 18:1-4
Key Verse: Acts 18:3
3 And because he was of the same trade, he stayed and worked with them; for they were tent makers by occupation.
Key Verse: Acts 18:3
3 And because he was of the same trade, he stayed and worked with them; for they were tent makers by occupation.
Devotion:
At this stage in Paul's life, he was out planting churches. He probably got regular support from those that he had already planted, but that was not what rested on. He knew that people would support him, but he was still willing and able to continue with his trade, that of a tent maker. He did not want to be seen to sponge off the churches and more certainly would want to mix with people so that he could learn more about them. Being with people allows you to learn where they are in life and also to show them how a Christian lives. There would be no better time to encourage people than in the place of work where he could show them his love and support.
At this stage in Paul's life, he was out planting churches. He probably got regular support from those that he had already planted, but that was not what rested on. He knew that people would support him, but he was still willing and able to continue with his trade, that of a tent maker. He did not want to be seen to sponge off the churches and more certainly would want to mix with people so that he could learn more about them. Being with people allows you to learn where they are in life and also to show them how a Christian lives. There would be no better time to encourage people than in the place of work where he could show them his love and support.
Setting a good example will work more than giving a good speech. People will listen to you talk but may well forget about it the next day. But showing them a good example will last in their memories more than any talk. People learn by example and are more willing to learn when they can be involved with things than having to sit down and listen. A good school teacher will always have something up their sleeve that will encourage the pupils to learn; they may even organise after school activities so that they will get to know their pupils better and know what they need.
If we want to make a difference in other peoples lives, then we should be willing to go forward and help others, to go and get involved in things and to bring the Christian way of living into other peoples lives. Cutting yourself off from society may well allow you to grow in your relationship with Christ, but mixing with others will allow you to share that relationship in front of others – encouraging them as well. Don't close yourself off with only the people from your church, but also allow yourself to mix with others when you get the chance to; just make sure you are packing Christ when you go out!
Points to Ponder:
Do you like mixing with others?
Do you take Christ wherever you go?
Do you like mixing with others?
Do you take Christ wherever you go?