Ear Stoppers?

Sometimes people make statements that cause us to stop in our tracks and say, “What?”! When something is said that is just not right, that is an appropriate response. However, if we stop listening either because of prejudice or being overly narrow-minded, we may find ourselves to be kept from fulfilling what God desires us to do in our life.

When Paul was arrested in Rome, he was given the opportunity to speak to his fellow countrymen. As he spoke of his own Jewish heritage and then of his conversion experience on the road to Damascus, his Jewish brethren appear to have listened very politely to what he had to say. ( Acts 22:1-21) However, that listening came to a screeching halt when Paul mentioned AN INCLUSION they were not ready to accept!

We read. . .
“(17) “When I had returned to Jerusalem and was praying in the temple, I fell into a trance (18) and saw him saying to me, ‘Make haste and get out of Jerusalem quickly, because they will not accept your testimony about me.’ (19) And I said, ‘Lord, they themselves know that in one synagogue after another I imprisoned and beat those who believed in you. (20) And when the blood of Stephen your witness was being shed, I myself was standing by and approving and watching over the garments of those who killed him.’ (21) And he said to me, ‘Go, for I WILL SEND YOU FAR AWAY TO THE GENTILES.’” (22) UP TO THIS WORD THEY LISTENED TO HIM. Then they raised their voices and said, “Away with such a fellow from the earth! For he should not be allowed to live.”” ( Acts 22:17-22 ESV)

As soon as Paul mentioned “Gentiles” they were finished listening and began to shout as they threw off their cloaks and flung dust into the air. ( Acts 22:23) As I recently read this passage I began to wonder what prejudices I might have that would bring my listening to a halt! What one word or statement would cause me to draw the line and stop listening? Is there someone to whom I would refuse to reach out? Do I have the audacity to think I had the right to hear the message of salvation in Christ while others do not? Though salvation must rightly be acknowledged as a blessing received within the parameters of properly acknowledging the truth of God’s Will, if I think having hope from God is only for a certain nationality or social class, then I am no better than those of Paul’s audience that day.

May we -- like Peter who also needed to be guided through his prejudices -- come to clearly recognize that “GOD SHOWS NO PARTIALITY, BUT IN EVERY NATION ANYONE WHO FEARS HIM AND DOES WHAT IS RIGHT IS ACCEPTABLE TO HIM.” ( Acts 10:34-35 ESV) James also noted the partiality of making a distinction between the rich and poor classes of people is to judge with “evil thoughts.” ( James 2:1-4) Perhaps it is our own actions and words that should be cause for stopping and taking inventory to make sure we are reaching out to others in the manner in which God desires. After all, His ultimate desire is for all to come to repentance. ( 2 Peter 3:9) May we be His tools for offering the opportunity.

Have a great day RECOGNIZING THE VALUE OF EVERY SOUL AROUND US!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Prejudice