spiritual device
“In the same way, encourage the youth to be self-controlled. Set an example for them by doing good in everything. Show integrity in your teaching, seriousness, and firmness of speech that cannot be criticized, so that those who oppose you will be put to shame because they have nothing bad to say about us.” -Titus 2:6-8
Have you ever been around someone who had slightly different beliefs than you? Every day we encounter people with beliefs different from ours.
In an age where the ideas of relativity and absolutism co-exist, it is essential that we speak the language of other people. If we act inflexible or complacent, we can easily turn people away from the gospel. Likewise, we cannot say “Christian” and expect other people to understand what we mean.
Rather, if we use discernment and ask the Holy Spirit what the person needs, we are much more likely to speak their language and meet their needs, even if the door is not completely open to share the message of Jesus.
One day I met a woman who said that her gifts were a little different than usual. She had learned to control her virtues (the spiritual fruit of self-control) so that people could effectively receive what she was conveying. We must remember that it is not about our gifts and talents – it is about what God wants to say to His beloved creation, in a way that they can receive it.
There is a time to speak boldly; It’s time to stand up for the truth. But, to model the love of Jesus, we need to always ask ourselves, “Will my actions draw people to Him, or will they drive them away from Him?”
If we can answer that our actions will bring people closer to their Heavenly Father, then we are truly putting His Kingdom first.
