Having read through the book of Acts dozens and dozens of times, I am always stopped when I get to chapter 24. It haunts me. Usually I think of others who need to listen to what God has to say, but put Him off. Today...it was ME.
“As Paul discoursed on righteousness, self‑control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, “That's enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you.” -Acts 24:25
“When I find it convenient...” WOW. What a declaration of who’s more important in his life. I don’t think Felix realized what he was saying about himself in that instance, but it was abundantly clear that he was uncomfortable with the discussion and he preferred to be comfortable. So...maybe later? Maybe.
I have to wonder how much of my understanding of God is halted by my unwillingness to be uncomfortable. How much of my study is stunted because I know what I want to know and am not sure I want to know more...because it might change things. The closer I get to God...the more I HAVE TO CHANGE.
Dear Father, please continue to teach me, stretch me, mold me. I want nothing of a life that stops short of really knowing you when you have so much more for me. I am far too concerned about me and not enough about you. May that change.
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Thank God, He doesn't listen to our whining about convenience and continues use His Holy Spirit to press us for surrender and obedience and the modification of our dearly held presuppositions about Him!