I once heard it said, “You are never as good as people say
you are, and your never as bad either.
As much as we all love a little
praise and enjoy accolades; we would do wise to avoid those who have only good things
to say about us. If the enemy cannot discourage us from our mission he will attempt
to cause us to fall victim to our own success. Showering a person in excessive praise is like
handing a habitual poor person a million dollars or a drunkard a bottle of Jack
Daniels. It does more harm than good. A little praise is a good thing, too much
is damaging. A little hope can inspire people too much can become dangerous.
This was the scheme the enemy used
to try and bring down Paul and Barnabas in Acts 14. The ministry they did in
the Region of Iconium was so immensely successful that a great many of the Jews
and Gentiles believed on Christ. Wherever
they traveled people desired to hear them speak. Paul delivered some of the
most profound, convincing, and moving messages the people had ever heard. He
was not only a skilled orator, he was also an accomplished philosopher, and a
highly entertaining individual. Yet atop these traits, he was a man filled with
the power of the Holy Spirit.
Paul’s hope inspired the elect,
those hungry for the world and whose hearts had been cultivated by the Holy
Spirit and it enflamed the agents of the enemy. The enemy tried to intimidate Saul, to drive
him away. When Paul refused to stop he was faced with a new challenge his ego.
The enemy appealed to Saul’s ego in a subtle way to get him to change sides.
That after all has been his scheme from day one. He sought to turn Adam and Eve
to become like him by claiming divinity. He Even attempted to turn Jesus when
he tempted Christ in the wilderness. He wanted Christ to bow to him and he
would give him all the kingdoms of the earth. If Satan can’t destroy us than he
will become our biggest cheerleader; it would bring him pleasure to watch man
destroy himself in pursuit of fame and power.
So what is the point I’m trying to
make?
In this passage there are several
things that standout to me about the character of Paul and the picture of a
Spirit-Filled life. First is that those who are yielded to the Spirit lead
effective and bold lives. Secondly, those who are yielded to the Spirit are
faithful to the end. Finally, those who are yielded to the Spirit are humble
and discerning.
In the course of a few days, Paul and
Barnabas had been threatened with death, treated as Gods, and stoned nearly to
death. Despite all of this they went right back to the same people who tried to
kill them. They were resolved not to allow anything to get in the way of the
message of the gospel. They would not treats, death, illness, or their own
pride to get between the lost and Christ.
What about us. Do we have that same
resolve? Not just to stand in the face of persecution but the faith to deny
ourselves and to not be swayed by the flattery of others. Proverbs 29:5 reminds
us that “A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet.” Are we
willing to be discerning enough to notice when we are being set up for a fall.
Are we allowing our pride to get between us and the gospel?
Paul was not in it for fame or
fortune. I can hardly imagine Paul as a televangelist. This account should
serve as a warning to us of what this word will throw at us. Are you ready?
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