Nougat 25

In a world of mis/information, foment and mistrust, it is easy to get caught up in the drama. Despite our claim to Faith, the rancor, slurs and acrimonious comments directed at the ‘other side’ of many debates have resulted in many broken friendships and hurt along the way. While this relates primarily to Covid-19 and vaccine responses; it also applies to racial discourse, migration and politics in general. Some of us have tried to figure out our own response and how to discern fact from fiction. What to do, how to do?, we wonder. Well, let’s consider today’s Holy Nougat

“And the people of Berea were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica, and they listened eagerly to Paul’s message. They searched the Scriptures day after day to see if Paul and Silas were teaching the truth.” Acts of the Apostles 17:11 NLT

We noted yesterday the attitude of some Jews in Thessaloniki, they were hostile to the saints. Unfortunately, that’s not far removed from our contexts today. We, as well as others, are not always wont to receive opposing views, obliging our opponents to seek solace from us.

When we are uncertain about another’s ‘facts’ or simply trying to figure out our response, we may choose to take a leaf from the Bereans’ playbook. They knew God. And that was a personal enough relationship to encourage them to use God’s Word as the standard for their interactions. I know, the context is vastly different than what we face; nevertheless, the principle holds. And no, this isn’t just about ‘What Would Jesus Do?’; but it is also inviting us to discern ‘What Will Please Jesus?’, or What Would Jesus Approve’?

Romans 12 invites the kind of personal transformation upon encountering Jesus and the Spirit of God, that our minds are renewed and we walk in God’s will. And a stroll over to 1 Thessalonians 5 (the same community that demonstrated rejection of the Word) exhorts us to

• Test ALL Spirits and

• Take hold of that which is good

There is a guideline for our conduct in God’s Word. And it’s especially important for our time.

That requires us getting intimate with God and God’s Word, to the extent that we can call on God and hear the answers in the Word and/or in our hearts. It’s about making time to read and to pray. And for being open to God’s Spirit as revelation comes.

How will we know that it’s God’s Spirit? Let’s chew on that until such time.

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May all we seek be found in Christ