WEDNESDAY October 25, 2023
A Blameless Testimony
From Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called for the elders of the church. And when they had come to him, he said to them: “You know, from the first day that I came to Asia, in what manner I always lived among you, serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears and trials which happened to me by the plotting of the Jews; how I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house, testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Acts 20:17-21
When Paul and his companions reached Miletus, he sent word for the elders of Ephesus to come to him. He had one of the most exhortive sermons on his heart to share with the leaders of the church. The reason he had them travel a distance of about 30 miles to see him was to save time. Paul wanted to arrive in Jerusalem for the festival of firstfruits––Pentecost. He needed to sail and could not wait.
When they arrived, Paul gave them his personal testimony in view of his ministry. He had stayed three years in Ephesus, teaching. During this time, they had seen his example and his private life firsthand. Paul was a man of great integrity both in his public and private life. He had a blameless witness before them.
Reread Acts 20:18-21. Could you place your name in these verses? Are you serving the Lord with all humility? Are you helping others? Are you keeping your integrity––a blameless character? Is there anyone who could bring an accusation against you in your public or private life? It is hypocrisy to live righteously in public and sinfully in your private life. People watch your life!
God’s Spirit will always convict you before you decide do anything sinful that will stain your character. Be careful to guard against sin. You do not want to ruin your good testimony. Hear the voice of the Holy Spirit when He speaks; do not get yourself into trouble.
The fear of the Lord helps us to recognize our accountability to God for the stewardship of leadership. It motivates us to seek the Lord’s wisdom and understanding in difficult situations and challenges us to give our all to the Lord by serving those we lead with love and humility.
~Paul Chappell~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
