TORN IN TWO

Today's reading: Acts 23-24

"The shouting grew louder and louder, and the men were tugging at Paul from both sides, pulling him this way and that. Finally, the commander, fearing they would tear him apart, ordered his soldiers to take him away from them and bring him back to the fortress." Acts 23:10 NLT

Paul was being held Jerusalem on the charges of inciting riots against Ceasar. In attempting to state his case, his words divided the council and they began to physically pull at him in anger, rage and in the name of justice.

Ever felt like that?

You are minding your own business, attending church regularly, getting into your Bible, spreading good cheer--and all of a sudden you find yourself torn between God and the world.

Maybe the tug-of-wars were along these lines...

You want to watch the movie, the one raved about by all your friends, but the language--ugh.

You want to sign your kids up for city-league ball, but the tentative schedule will cause your family to miss several Sundays.

You want to give your 10 percent to the church, but your finances are stretched--with all the extras you want to purchase for your family--because their friends have these things.

You want to volunteer for one more church committee, but you're already away from home 4 nights a week and this would make it 5.

Your feelings have been hurt by another Christian, not just hurt--crushed, and you'd really like to vent--better yet, find someone who will side with you.

You struggle to find time to dig a little deeper in the Bible, because you are too interested in what's going on in the world of Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat.

Life pulls at us. Sometimes it's the pull of good things attempting to separate us from doing the best things.

How do we know which direction to go? We look to Jesus. We listen for God. We slow down, pray and ask for the Holy Spirit to guide us in our choices. Then we take the next small step asked of us--and trust God with the rest!