Tag: Acts 19

Are You Protecting God’s Glory or Your Own?

The dramatic scene in Acts 19:23–41 paints a vivid picture of how the Gospel disrupts the power structures of the world. Paul’s ministry in Ephesus was so impactful that it began to undermine the worship of Artemis, the city’s central deity. But the uproar in the Ephesian theatre wasn’t driven by deep devotion to Artemis. Instead, it was fueled by financial loss and the potential erosion of influence. Demetrius the silversmith rallied others, worried that Paul’s teachings would not only ruin their trade but also diminish Ephesus’s status as the guardian of Artemis’s temple. Their reaction reveals that their real allegiance wasn’t to Artemis—it was to their own power and position.

How often do we find ourselves in the same trap? It’s easy to criticize the Ephesians, but their motivations are uncomfortably familiar. Do we make decisions to protect our influence or reputation? Are our choices shaped more by what maintains our comfort or standing than by what aligns with God’s will? Consider the times when serving God’s purposes would have cost you something. Did you hesitate because the price seemed too high?

Paul, in contrast, embodied the humility of Christ. He consistently laid down his own rights and desires to advance the Gospel, even when it meant hardship or rejection. This mirrors the attitude of Christ described in Philippians 2:6–8: “Though he existed in the form of God, he did not regard equality with God as something to be grasped, but emptied himself.” Jesus became nothing, willingly giving up His position so that we might share in His glory.

What would it look like for you to lay down your own power and position for the sake of Christ? Are you willing to let go of the things you hold onto most tightly—your reputation, your career, your influence? The Gospel invites us to become less so that Christ might become greater (John 3:30). It’s a hard calling, but it’s also a freeing one. When we stop striving to protect our own status, we find true security in the eternal treasure God offers.

The challenge is clear: let go of the things that keep you tethered to this world’s systems. Like Paul, be willing to risk it all for the sake of God’s kingdom. True glory doesn’t come from power or position in this life but from humbly following Christ, trusting that He will exalt you in His time (1 Peter 5:6).

Whose Praise Do You Seek?

Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 3 are a profound reminder that the foundation of our lives and ministries must be Jesus Christ. Everything we build on that foundation will ultimately be tested by fire, revealing whether it was done for God’s glory or to gain the fleeting approval of others. It’s tempting to seek praise from people, but Paul makes it clear that our work is ultimately evaluated by God, not by human standards.

When we live to please others, we risk compromising God’s call on our lives. Paul cautions the Corinthians not to boast in human leaders or wisdom because they belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God (1 Corinthians 3:21–23). This realignment of perspective is crucial. If we’re ashamed to stand firm in God’s truth because it might make us unpopular, we’re ultimately ashamed of Him—and that’s a sobering thought. Jesus Himself said, “For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words…the Son of Man will be ashamed of that person when He comes in His glory” (Luke 9:26).

This doesn’t mean we should actively seek to upset people or ignore the importance of kindness. As Paul says in Romans 12:18, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all people.” However, when faced with a choice between obedience to God and the approval of man, the answer should always be clear. Pleasing God isn’t about arrogance or defiance but about faithfulness.

In a world that increasingly prioritizes popularity and consensus, ask yourself: Whose praise do you seek? Are your decisions shaped more by fear of disapproval or by a desire to hear “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:23)? Living for God’s glory may not always make sense to others, but it’s the only life that will stand the test of eternity.