12 When it was day, the Jews made a plot and bound themselves by an oath neither to eat nor drink till they had killed Paul. 13 There were more than forty who made this conspiracy. (Acts 23:12-13)
When held against the sort of days Paul had, today’s struggles seem small. Within a few chapters, Paul managed to get forty people to make a pact to murder him. Impressive really. This passage can teach us a few things:
First, no matter the good you do, there will be people who wish to “kill” you. Good is shaped only through the opposition of evil. Good can’t simply “go with the flow” but needs resistance. This serves to strengthen the resolve of the vessel of good as well as to expose the evil of those around us.
Second, don’t give up. There are unique passages in the Bible that talks about how when we face opposition, it is actually proof that we are up to something Godly. If the world is corrupt, which as followers of the only Holy One we believe it is, then it is up to the image bearers to rage against it. We cannot be surprised then at our struggles. Of course people will gossip, of course they will ridicule and stand opposed, they are simply doing what their nature commands. Usually, breakthrough doesn’t come until struggle is at it’s highest point. If you read this and think it can’t get much worse, then you might be on the brink of something great. Don’t throw in the towel too soon.
Third, good is always the underdog. Whether it be a faithful parent, an honest lawyer, or a humble spouse, these things will always be the minority. Paul was outnumbered forty to one in this area. He looked weird. Yet in his weirdness, he was at home. He was comfortable in his identity so the fact that many committed to a fast and kill, was not surprising. His faithfulness gave strength to younger guys like Timothy and the early Church. If he didn’t embrace his role of unpopular heel, then the Church and the Bible would look a lot different. The next generation of world changers are examining how you react to adversity. Be the underdog.
Lastly, the people who oppose you will believe they are in your seat. Those who took this fast actually believed they were doing the work of the Lord. Unfortunately, many in the Church today would say the same thing. Taking up trivial issues and policies with the thought of God’s blessing, these people are to be loved. No matter how misguided they are, our Christ who was murdered for his enemies, including you and I, calls us to bear with patience the brokenness of others.
Today, pursue good in humility and the belief that others are watching and drawing hope from your story.
Matt simon blog 