Acts 18:5
When Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul began to occupy himself totally with preaching the word, testifying to the Jews that the Messiah was Jesus.
Have you ever gotten into a project or tried for a goal that was so consuming that it became almost an obsession? It doesn't happen often, and for some, it may never happen. About 9 years ago, I became so obsessed with raising money for constructing our radio station that I began to dream about it. I dreamed about it nearly every night. Then during the day, I was meeting with groups and people, telling them our goal and how they would help to achieve it. I talked about it so much that I'm sure I drove people away. This can happen in other parts of our lives---new parenthood, new marriages, etc. Sometimes it can drive people away.
Over the last couple of weeks, we have been reading about Paul's conversion and taking his faith into action by preaching. Today, Paul is with some friends and he is pushing those in the synagogue to convert. "Paul began to occupy himself totally with preaching…" He didn't go halfway; he went totally. They begin to revile him and push him away. So Paul says, paraphrasing, "ok, but I told you so…" The Paul goes to the gentiles and brings home converts.
Two things come to mind. First, always persevere in your faith and be joy-filled in your mission. If we had the same zeal as Paul, we'd have many more Christians who really LOVE Jesus, not halfway, but all the way. Second, be patient and tell people your story in a way that they can relate. Show them your love for Christ by your actions. Be careful not to push them away. Preach the word, then live it!
