April 15, 2010 - Acts 13:10a

“’You are a child of the devil and an enemy of everything that is right!’” Acts 13:10a
In Paphos, Cyprus, the ruler of the region desired to hear from Barnabas and Saul, now known as Paul. A sorcerer named Elymas, who influenced this ruler, spoke against Barnabas and Paul while they proclaimed the message of God. Paul confronted Elymas, calling him a “child of the devil and an enemy of everything that is right!” Paul, in his boldness, was not going to allow false accusations to get in the way of the message God had for them to deliver, so he spoke sternly to this man, and nothing was going to get in his way.
While Paul’s manner seems abrasive and harsh, he effectively silenced his adversary and, with boldness, delivered God’s message to the people. Was Paul too harsh in his dealings with this sorcerer, or was his method warranted? I would struggle with being so bold, yet I see that there are times when similar boldness would be required. My hope is that I would be more concerned about what God thinks of me rather than worrying about what people think of me. I know some people who are abrasive by nature, and it seems that they don’t particularly care about what God or people think. And I know some others who are more concerned about what people think. I tend towards the latter group. May God give me (and you, if you identify!) boldness in His proper time.
Questions to consider: How would you have handled yourself if you were in a similar situation to Paul’s? If you struggle with boldness, are you aware of why you do? What is the right balance between being too abrasive and being too reserved?
Prayer: Father, it is my desire to speak Your word boldly when I sense Your leading. Give me the courage to speak boldly when necessary. Amen.