Good morning God-fearing people of influence

Acts 13:50 But the Jews incited the God-fearing women of high standing and the leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region.

This is a scary passage. The Jews didn’t stir up the trouble-makers and the local Church gossips; they stirred up ‘God-fearing people of high standing’.

What stirs you? What gets your juices flowing? Is it the things of God or do you get stirred by things that man says?

There are some of you in places of authority that need to be careful about what stirs you. It’s too easy and too common to hear about a situation, be moved emotionally and then react in an ungodly way. It may even appear ‘righteous’ but we must be careful. There are some of you that really need to be aware of this today.

This verse is clear; the Jews didn’t stir up the trouble directly. They knew if they could influence the influencers, their job was done. Those in positions of authority have a God-given privilege of leading. We must ensure we guard our hearts and walk tenderly before God. We must use our influence for good and not for evil. Sometimes negative influence can be very subtle.

Today the Holy Spirit is warning us to be careful and to lead others the way Christ modelled; with love and servanthood. Please meditate on this verse again and allow the precious Holy Spirit to speak to you.