Acts 4:18-20 (NKJV)
18 So they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. 20 For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.”
How then, shall we live? Who should we follow? What is the best course of action to take?
I don’t think it’s what people don’t know that scares them; it is what the do know that really scares them. When you know about God and what He requires of you, you realize that you should live for Him. I care what God thinks of my actions. I’m sure not everyone likes the things I do.
Peter and John had been arrested for speaking in the name of Jesus. The Sanhedrin was grilling them about their teaching trying to get them to stop spreading the good news. But Peter and John had seen too much. They walked by Jesus side. The learned from the Master Himself. They were witnesses to His love. There was no way they could keep quiet.
Those two were exposed to how life was supposed to be lived. They knew how God had designed the world to be because He sent His Son to set the example. Not only that, He left us a book with details too!
The world tells us to look out for number one. But God’s ways are totally different. His ways are counter intuitive. They don’t even make sense to our way of thinking. Greater love has no one than this, that He would lay down His life for His friends (John 15:13). God’s way is to take care of others. To love and care for other people. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These are how we should live. How are you doing in that department? I know I am falling short of the mark. But I also know that we can ask the Lord for help through His Spirit and He will help us. You are not alone. He will help you. You know how you are supposed to live. What stands between you and living that way? Invite the Spirit to guide you into all truth and you will receive the help you need to live a life that pleases God. And part of that life is to share the good news that has been given to you. God’s love is like radiant diamonds bursting inside us, that we cannot contain. Peter and Joh n could not hold it back. Let it out! Show others the beauty and love God has planted inside you. That is how we should live!
Father, thank You that You have planted the fruit of the Spirit within us. Help us to shine that light out to the world in Your name. Multiply our efforts. Bless our works. By Your Spirit, lead us in the way we should go and teach us how we should live. In Your name we pray! Amen!