Acts 20:20-21 You know that I have not hesitated to preach anything that would be helpful to you but have taught you publicly and from house to house. I have declared to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus.

Paul here expresses what should be the method of every teacher of the Gospel. First, speaking without hesitation. Second, speaking that which is beneficial. Third, speaking in group settings. Fourth, speaking privately, The Japanese renders these two verses as one sentence, making it clear that the content of the beneficial teaching is repentance toward God and faith in the Lord Jesus. That pretty well covers it! We tend to get tied up in all sorts of doctrines and dogma, but if we stray from the foundation of repentance and faith, we have turned our backs on the God we say we serve. One thing that is clear, not only from this passage but from the whole record of Acts and his letters, is that Paul was consistent, the same in private as in public. That has been a snare for many church leaders over the centuries, showing that they were living to be seen by men rather than in honesty before God, who sees everything. If we are aware of God at all times, then we will be open to His appointments for proclamation and ministry, whether to individuals or to groups, and people will be brought to repentance and faith.

I have tried to live this lifestyle, but I am definitely aware that I have room to grow. I let things distract me from God, which I am sure has caused me to miss many of the appointments He has had for me. I know from those I haven’t missed that there is nothing more satisfying than meeting divine appointments and seeing God touch people through me, but I still fail to keep my focus on Him 24/7. I have been protective of “my time,” even though I know that every second I have is a gift from God and is to be used as He indicates. Being protective like that never brings good results! I need to be more active in my pursuit of God, to walk in the fellowship with Him that He desires even more than I do.

Father, thank You for this reminder. Thank You for the progress and growth I have experienced, slow though it has been. Thank You for Your patience with me in the process. Help me keep pressing in to You, not simply for my own sake but as an example and encouragement to the flock, so that together we may walk in the magnificence of Your plans for us, for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!