Scripture
Acts 6:8-10
8 And Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people. 9 Then some of those who belonged to the synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called), and of the Cyrenians, and of the Alexandrians, and of those from Cilicia and Asia, rose up and disputed with Stephen. 10 But they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking.
Observation
Signs and wonders were being accomplished, and the community ‘rose up and disputed’. Sounds a lot like the world today! But Stephen didn’t engage in their dispute, or rise up in retaliation against them. Instead he spoke with wisdom and with the power of the Holy Spirit–and they were unable to withstand.
Application
What is my response to combative and argumentative people? Do I get offended and dig in for a good argument? Do I back down weakly, unsure of how Christ would react? Do I try to make everyone happy, and allow them to change my stance?
Or–do I respond as Stephen did: with confidence in the wisdom I find in God’s word, and with the prompting of the Holy Spirit?
I don’t need to pick a fight: they’re not truly fighting me anyway. I don’t need to back down: if I am standing on God’s word, then my foundation cannot be shaken. I don’t need to retaliate: the battle is not against flesh and blood!
Today I choose to spend time learning the wisdom of God, and listening for His voice. With those two things, I can walk confidently through every turmoil and conflict.
Prayer
God, help me to honor you when the world dissolves into chaos! Give me courage to speak truth, with the wisdom of your Word. Help me not to become reactive or argumentative, but instead to allow you to speak through me to those who need to hear your voice.
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