Wisdom from a Town Clerk

Dear brethren,

Today's readings :
1Samuel 28,29; 1Chronicles 9; Acts 19

Acts 19:37 (KJV)
For ye have brought hither these men, which are neither robbers of churches, nor yet blasphemers of your goddess.

In this rather eventful account, we learn of quite a few important concepts.
Firstly, as mentioned from time to time, our beliefs are often affected by 3 things - pride, prejudice and profit. And it is no doubt profit first that motivated Demetrius to stir up the pride in the followers of Diana. Certainly, we have a multitude of exmaples of profit getting in the way of beliefs, even today.

Secondly, as we read in this particular verse, we see that the apostles and disciples exemplified speaking the truth in love (Eph 4:15). They did not preach for "filthy lucre" or "prestige" (c.f. 1Pe 5:2; Phi 1:16) and they went about focusing on the truth rather than putting down others. And this is the pattern that God had shown us. Just simply focus on the Word. There is no need, no cause to thump our chests and hurl insults at the beliefs of others. Doing so will only serve to drive people away and in some cases, bring the hand of the law upon ourselves.

Lastly, it is interesting that a town clerk had the wisdom and level-headedness when he went about resolving the issue. Again, he did not try to take sides but presented facts without any prejudice and intent to stir up further emotions. Even as he appeased the crowd, it was not with vain effusive words but with facts that struck a chord with the people (v.35, 36). And that is how we should resolve conflict. Focus on the matter and hand and layout the facts. As far as possible, get emotions out of the way.
And again, similar to the second point, this is the same attitude that we should adopt when we are sharing the gospel.

Brethren, we need to remind ourselves that ultimately we are ALL human, ALL of whom God desires to be saved (1Ti 2:4; 2Pe 3:9). And far be it for pride, prejudice and profit to get in our way to preach the truth to the lost, and yet again always in love, in the manner that is most be beneficial to the lost soul.