Acts 14:2-3 jumped out at me today. “The unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers. So they remained for a long time...” (ESV). 

Wow!

Is that how I would respond? So often, when people’s minds are poisoned against me as a Christian, I shrink back. When I think folks aren’t going to want to listen, that’s when I decide to keep quiet or decide to move on. If I hear someone say a name or something derogatory, I begin to think there is no point in trying to talk to them about spiritual things.

But that is not what Paul and Barnabas did. When the minds of the Gentiles were poisoned against them, they remained longer. 

They saw the biases, that only made them work harder. They heard the names, that only caused them to shine brighter. 

Yes, I know when their lives were in danger they went to the next city, but let’s face it, when has my life ever been in danger because I’m a Christian. Sure, people have their minds poisoned against me and against us, but here in America our lives aren’t threatened. Instead of backing off when we think people are prejudiced against God’s message, we should stay longer and work harder.

Keep the faith and keep reading.

ELC