SOME THINGS NEED TO BE SAID
Meanwhile, a Jew named Apollos, an eloquent speaker who knew the Scriptures well, had arrived in Ephesus from Alexandria in Egypt. He had been taught the way of the Lord, and he taught others about Jesus with an enthusiastic spirit and with accuracy. However, he knew only about John's baptism. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him preaching boldly in the synagogue, they took him aside and explained the way of God even more accurately.
Acts 18:24-26 (NLT)
Mary and George found themselves in a difficult situation. They loved their small group. One week, a newer member was asked to lead the Bible study, and the longer he taught, the more uncomfortable they became. He was educated, smart and passionate about the Lord. Much of what he taught was good, but some of it was simply not biblical. On their way home, they wondered what they should do. Like most people, they hated difficult conversations and were afraid of how he might respond. Ever been there?
Priscilla and Aquila found themselves in a similar situation. A dynamic new preacher had come to town, and while others were excited to hear him, they knew he was lacking some important truths. They had been discipled by Paul, and they knew this needed to be addressed. Notice, however, what they did not do. They didn't confront him publicly, embarrass him or cause a scene. They didn't gossip about his errors or attack him personally. Scripture says they took him aside and explained the way of God even more accurately. They chose both grace and truth.
We also have to give Apollos credit. He was teachable. He didn't allow his education, eloquence or reputation to keep him from receiving correction, even from a woman. Priscilla was right there with Aquila, helping instruct him. This couple understood Scripture and theology well enough to help a gifted teacher grow in his understanding.
How well do you take correction? If I'm honest, when I'm confronted or corrected, even by my wife, my first response is often defensiveness. Peter tells us to clothe ourselves with humility toward one another (1 Peter 5:5), but that's easier said than done. We all need to be teachable. Sometimes love requires us to speak up when someone needs correction. The goal isn't to win an argument or prove we're right. The goal is to help someone grow. I still don't like hard conversations, but some of the most important spiritual growth in our lives will come through truth shared with grace.
APPLICATION: Is there someone you need to speak with? Have you received a correction recently with humility?
PRAYER: Father, give me courage to speak truth and the humility to receive it. Amen.
"… Our Father in heaven…" Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
• What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
"… may your name be kept holy." Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
• What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
"May your Kingdom come soon." Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
• Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
"Give us today the food we need," Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
• Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I'm around today?
"and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us" Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
• Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
"And don’t let us yield to temptation…" Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
• Is there anywhere I'm vulnerable to temptation?