Convenient

Yesterday, Paul gave his defense before Governor Felix. Ultimately, his trial Paul’s trial will be postponed; but his conversation with Felix would continue.

Acts 24
22 At that point Felix, who was quite familiar with the Way, adjourned the hearing and said, “Wait until Lysias, the garrison commander, arrives. Then I will decide the case.” 23 He ordered an officer to keep Paul in custody but to give him some freedom and allow his friends to visit him and take care of his needs. 24 A few days later Felix came back with his wife, Drusilla, who was Jewish. Sending for Paul, they listened as he told them about faith in Christ Jesus. 25 As he reasoned with them about righteousness and self-control and the coming day of judgment, Felix became frightened. “Go away for now,” he replied. “When it is more convenient, I’ll call for you again.” 26 He also hoped that Paul would bribe him, so he sent for him quite often and talked with him. 27 After two years went by in this way, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And because Felix wanted to gain favor with the Jewish people, he left Paul in prison.


Convenient. In reading this part of the story, it would be easy for me to step on my soapbox and rail against Felix. He seems like such an easy target ... shallow and greedy, searching for a faith that was convenient. Jesus made it pretty clear though, that his followers should be humble, not proud (check out Luke 18:9-14). With that in mind, I want to approach these stories with humility ... listening for what God is saying to me. Is my relationship with God convenient ... do I accept his offer to help (check out Matthew 7:7-11) and comfort (check out Matthew 11:28-30) and forgive (check out Matthew 26:26-29); but avoid his call to righteousness (check out Matthew 5:17-20) and selflessness (check out Matthew 16:21-26) and service (check out Matthew 25:31-40)? That is the question I will be wrestling with today.