Unsung Heroes: Commitment of Silas — Monday
Psalm 96:1-3
Sing a new song to the Lord! Let the whole earth sing to the Lord! Sing to the Lord; praise his name. Each day proclaim the good news that he saves. Publish his glorious deeds among the nations. Tell everyone about the amazing things he does. (NLT)
Growing up, I had a pretty interesting bunch of neighbors. As I recall, two were a couple of boys who moved from Rockcastle County, there was a foul-mouthed kid half my age who always found new ways to be offensive, and there’d be a few others who would come and go. They were ALWAYS outside. And sometimes I felt like being outside, but overall, I was pretty much a homebody in elementary school, so their adventures weren’t always my jam. On more than one occasion, I either ignored the doorbell or had my parents fib about my whereabouts because they’d roll up asking to play, and I just wasn’t feeling it.
I picture Silas in the Bible in a similar predicament when Paul came rolling into town after being “ridden hard and put away wet” most of his life up to this point. But when asked—Silas, as far we know, jumps right in.
Silas was likely content to be a leader of the early church where he was, but when the Lord put a new call on his life, he was obedient despite what had to have been an intuitively hard mission to undertake. Paul’s first journey saw him fending off people worshiping him, miracles and healing, and tons of miles on his sandals—and at one point, he was stoned by unbelieving Jews, but then hopped up and got back to work.
In our lives, God sometimes calls us to tasks or situations that may seem counterintuitive. It might be taking a job that pays less but aligns more with your values, moving to a city where you know no one to follow a calling, or perhaps standing firm in a belief or principle even when it's unpopular.
The challenge isn't deciphering whether the decision is easy or hard, but discerning whether it's a decision we are making humbly and expectant of the work He can do through it. Once we know that, our commitment to following—just like Silas—should be unwavering, regardless of the potential challenges ahead.
Monday’s Reflection
Are there people in your corner who can help you navigate the decisions in your life? Groups are a great way to meet new people who could help you do that and more. Learn more at southland.church/groups.
