Treat a man as he is and he will remain as he is.
Johann Von Goethe
Slow Teaching – The Mask of Zorro
This scene from Mask of Zorro shows an example of “slow teaching”
And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; – 2 Tim 2:24-25
Audience of One
For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. – Gal 1:10
Like a performer might feel receiving a standing ovation. Adoration and compliments coming in floods. Tangible. Exciting. Addicting.
When a man’s ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him. – Prov 16:7
I dropped the ball. By pleasing others first. Stretched too thin, overwhelmed, joyless, rushed … One would think that pleasing others is better than pleasing self – but at its core, isn’t pleasing others a somewhat selfish act?
God is pleased when you set aside parts of your life for others ( John 15:13 ) – but do so for the glory of God, the sake of Christ, being led by the Spirit.
An Audience of One. There is both less pressure and a more profound obligation.
And Then …
If someone asks you “How have you been?”
What an opportunity to share about the time when
From the depths you cried out to God, and then …
Let the redeemed of the Lord, Say So (Psalm 107:1-43)
What’s your testimony?