Sometimes no matter what we do there will be those who will criticize, who will tell us we should be doing something else, we should be doing more, we should be involved in some program or that we’re just plain wrong. Even Paul experienced this sort of pressure.
In Acts Paul had an idea of what he needed to do. He was hurrying to be in Jerusalem if possible on the day of Pentecost, Acts 20:16. He calls the elders of the church at Ephesus and reminds them of all he has taught them, verses 18-21 and informs them of what was to come and how he knew not what was to happen to him in Jerusalem, verse 22. But that he had to go. He knew it wouldn’t be easy, verse 23.
However he did not consider his life of any account so long as he could finish the ministry he received from Jesus, verse 24. Are we as committed to finish the work Jesus has for us, regardless of the cost?
Paul encourages the Ephesians that they have all they need for the Christian life and warns the of the need to be on guard against those who would come into the church and from their own who would seek to draw them away from the truth, verses 28-30. Be alert he urges. We also need to be alert to the heresies arising within the church, as people stray from the Bible’s teaching and put their own spin on God’s Word or teach what people want to hear rather than what the Bible says.
Then Paul commends them to God and the word of His grace, verse 32. Paul stresses the importance of the Word in building them up in faith. Paul gave them an example of hard word. He reminds them of the words of Jesus, verse 35. Then he prays for them. What great love Paul had for these believers. Do we have the same love for those in our churches and our neighborhoods?
Paul leaves the Ephesians grieved that will not see him again but resigned.
When he travels further on he encounters other disciples who have their own opinions about what Paul should and should not do, Acts 21:4,12. Yes, their advice and urging him not to go was based on love and concern for him. But in the end Paul went against all the pressure from other believers because he knew he was doing what the Lord wanted him to do.
Once we know what God wants us to do, we need to stand firm against pressure even from family or fellow Christians and do what we know God is calling us to do. As Paul found it’s not always easy but sometimes it’s necessary.
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