ACTS 24

Throughout life we can often find ourselves wrongly accused. It is not uncharacteristic to become defensive, to focus on the other parties behavior and see the situation elevate into personal attacks. In Acts 24 we see Paul be falsely accused and defamed. He is attacked and arrested. Just one chapter prior there were plots to kill him.

How does he react to being "wronged?" Paul states a value that he lives by which he shares in this chapter. "I myself always strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men."

The Message bible translation offers the following for the same verse.

“Believe me, I do my level best to keep a clear conscience before God and my neighbors in everything I do.

Paul's focus is on being considerate rather than focusing on how inconsiderate others are. He stays others focused even in the face of being falsely accused. It is almost like he is reminding himself of this value before he responds. In contrast to Paul, you see Felix posturing to use this situation for personal gain, whether it be political status or even financial gain.

Our culture pulls for the underdog. In reading this I am hoping that the tables will be turned on Paul's accusers, that Paul will be proven innocent, freed and even ultimately lead Felix to The Lord. That's how Hollywood would write the script. We want to compete, we want to win and gain, especially in a situation where it is obvious we have been wronged. After all we deserved it.

Thank God as believers that have faith in Jesus Christ we are a new creation. We can respond like Paul, being considerate of God and others. It takes the power of the Holy Spirit to be able to not respond in the flesh and seek revenge or at least be proven right. Have you ever been in an argument that turns from seeking understanding and truth that turns into a competition. A competition that cares little about truth or about the other party. The goal is winning and gaining personal status. How sad that one can place an argument above the relationship, truth and being a Godly witness.

As a result of today's reading, I learned I can state my view and leave it at that. This allows me to be heard, but the other party may not listen or be willing to be reasonable. But I can rely on the Holy Spirit and be God honoring by being considerate of others. Pursuing what looks like a win by badgering another human being in the end is far from a victory. It is simply not honoring to God and may damage a relationship needlessly.

Today My prayer is that I remember to be considerate of God and others. When wronged I pray that the Holy Spirit guides me and leads me in a way that is not a journey for vengeance or self promotion, but Promotion of the Gospel message.

Joe LoSurdo | Elder

Joe committed his life to Christ in February of 1994 through attending Hill Country Bible ChurchNorthwest. He and his wife, Debbie, have two married children and five grandchildren. Joe has served in Student, Children’s, Small Group, Assimilation, Benevolence, and Biblical Guidance Ministries. Joe and Debbie joined Hutto Bible Church in June of 2009.