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A Little Shade

Leadership

 Once again, they moved to another city and began shaking things up, teaching truth directly out of the scriptures, history, and their own witness. And once again, many of the people who heard Paul and Silas picked up what they were putting down, and their hearts were opened and spirits charged. This time in the city of Thessalonica, a key port on the Aegean sea full of Romans, Greeks, and Jews. It was a busy hub for trade and travel, and therefore a very strategic place for spreading political and religious conventions. As in any busy port, the bustling marketplace was full of all kinds of people; merchants, intellectuals, laborers, and its share of riff raff. 

So, when the Jews in the city saw the impact Paul and Silas were having, once again, they became jealous and, just like they did with Jesus, moved to shut them down.

"But some of the Jews were jealous, so they gathered some troublemakers from the marketplace to form a mob and start a riot." (Acts 17:5)

How easy it is to start a public riot. People are silently begging to be led, and when given the opportunity to join in the energy of the crowd, most people do. Usually not because they actually believe in what they are doing, or understand why, but because it seems right. Just think about the wave at a sports stadium. A few people stand up and throw their hands in the air, and all of a sudden, fans of both teams are following along, and the entire stadium erupts. They aren't standing up for anything; they are just standing up.

As Paul and Silas traveled around preaching the Good News, their experiences taught us some very important lessons.

  • First, people are hungry for truth. If you can present the information with clarity and conviction, connecting to their own story, you can win their hearts and minds.
  • Second, you will always face naysayers and jealous responses from those who fear the value you bring compromises their influence and stature.
  • Third, if you believe strongly in your message and value, speak it boldly. Don't quit despite the mobs that form against you. Remember that most of them are just looking for something to riot against and find safety in the crowd or behind their screens. Persevere. History is written by the victors, and the victory has already been won.

If you have something of value to share with others, get out there and do it.

Your expertise is worth sharing, and as long as you connect to their story and it leaves them better off, do it boldly and do it consistently. When people try to get in your way, that's okay. It is worth taking a little shade so you can shine some light.

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