Latest / Northman Coaching / Is God Leading Your Life—or the Crowd? Acts 4:20
Transcript
- Gary: If you only stand by your faith when everyone approves, who is actually leading your life, God or the crowd? Good morning. I'm Gary Hults from North Man Coaching. And today's devotional comes from Acts chapter 4, verse 20. Peter and John have been ordered to stop speaking and teaching in the name of Jesus. Their response is simple. They cannot stop speaking about what they have seen and what they have heard. They know there may be consequences. But the pressure around them doesn't erase what they know to be true. That brings us to a question. What have you stopped doing because you are afraid of how someone might react? Maybe you've stopped talking about your faith. Maybe you've avoided an honest conversation. Maybe you keep agreeing with something that violates your values because disagreement might cost you acceptance. And over time, Keeping everyone comfortable becomes more important than living with conviction. Think for yourself here. When you say, I don't want to upset anyone, are you practicing compassion or avoiding the discomfort of being honest? Those deserve different answers. Peter and John aren't defending every opinion they've ever had. They're bearing witness to Jesus. That distinction matters. Faithfulness doesn't make every thought in your head correct. You still need humility. You still need to listen. You still need to examine your beliefs against Scripture. But you also need the courage to act on what you believe. Your children need to see what faith looks like when telling the truth costs you something. Your relationships need honesty delivered with love. The people around you need more than words about the man you want to become. Remember, The way you look on the outside is a direct reflection of what is happening on the inside. Ask what your outward actions are revealing. Are they showing conviction, compassion, and integrity? Or are they showing how much control other people's approval has over you? Today, choose one faithful action that you've been avoiding. Have the conversation. Admit the mistake. Speak about your faith. Without turning someone into an enemy. Let's pray. Father, help us recognize when fear of rejection is directing our choices. Give us courage to follow you, humility to receive correction, and love in the way we speak. Let our actions bear witness to our faith. In Jesus' name, Amen. If this challenged you, hit like, hit share, share with someone who needs to hear it, and subscribe for more daily devotionals. Please do all of the things you're supposed to do here. But most of all, put this message into practice. And if you are ready to grow alongside men who will challenge you to live the values that you claim, then join the Northman Brotherhood at Northman Coaching.com. Brick by brick, shoulder to shoulder. I'll see you guys next time.