A Time And A Place

Acts 18:24-25 – A certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus. This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John. (KJV)

The waitresses were practically running. Every staff member was in a flurry of activity. Customers recognized the overload and patiently waited their turn, Suddenly, a supervisor's voice boomed loudly over the clatter of conversation, silverware, and china. "Do you think you could possibly work a little harder?" The air filled with silence. Forks stalled in mid-air. Footsteps stilled in the giant pause of shame and embarrassment. The speaker scurried to the kitchen, suddenly aware that her rudeness, not her staff's capability, was now the object of discussion.

Acts 18:26 – And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly. (KJV)

Apollos had only half the story about Jesus. But Aquila and Priscilla did not make a public display of his error. Instead they took him aside and gently explained the truth to him. Our criticisms may be accurate, but are they worth public correction and humiliation for another? Oh, the times I wish that I had kept my mouth shut until I was alone with my children, a friend, a co-worker!

Impossible, isn't it, to call back the hurts we have injected into unsuspecting hearts with our tongues? Perhaps today, we will take the time to think before we speak.

Prayer: Father, again You remind us that we have a responsibility to be like You, Who always corrects privately and with great gentleness. Lord, forgive us for our big mouths. In Jesus' name. Amen.

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