Let's Get It Right

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Scripture

Acts 18:24-28

Ministry of Apollos
Now there came to Ephesus a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria. He was an eloquent man, well-versed in the scriptures. He had been instructed in the Way of the Lord; and he spoke with burning enthusiasm and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John. He began to speak boldly in the synagogue; but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained the Way of God to him more accurately. And when he wished to cross over to Achaia, the believers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples to welcome him. On his arrival he greatly helped those who through grace had become believers, for he powerfully refuted the Jews in public, showing by the scriptures that the Messiah is Jesus.

Observation

Apollos was a very bright young man and had been extremely well educated. However, he didn't know enough about Jesus. Priscilla and Aquilla approached him and provided some gentle correction and additional understanding which made his preaching more accurate. While he had been good before, they wanted him to be even better. As a result, his ministry became powerful.

Application
I'm not sure that any of us look forward to being corrected and yet there is something important in getting things right. Apollos was pretty good at preaching and was enthusiastic and yet, after a little correction, he was powerful.

Could it be that we settle for pretty good, because we don't want to have to go through some correction to become powerful? This may relate to preaching, but also to our spiritual lives, or even our vocation. Being satisfied with being "okay" may limit what God can to do in and through us. As God's children I would think that we would desire to be the very best that we can be to represent the family.

Followers of Jesus Christ should be willing to do everything they need to do, to get it right. In every sphere of life we should seek to be ambassadors of the kingdom, serving with excellence. We shouldn't be satisfied with mediocre, but desire to be the very best we can, accepting advice, criticism, and direction, so that we can reflect on our Lord well.

Prayer

Lord, may my heart be open and willing to hear from you. Mold me and shape me by those who speak into my life and may I not be defensive, but willing to learn. Amen.


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