Ever had someone you knew that loved to talk but was not a very good listener. That doesn’t make them bad people but can lead to someone feeling unimportant.
Acts 24:24-26 MSG
24-26 A few days later Felix and his wife, Drusilla, who was Jewish, sent for Paul and listened to him talk about a life of believing in Jesus Christ. As Paul continued to insist on right relations with God and his people, about a life of moral discipline and the coming Judgment, Felix felt things getting a little too close for comfort and dismissed him. “That’s enough for today. I’ll call you back when it’s convenient.” At the same time he was secretly hoping that Paul would offer him a substantial bribe. These conversations were repeated frequently.
Apostle Paul had been arrested and was brought before the governor for judgement. This particular governor was well versed in the Jews religions and knew about Jesus. His wife was also Jewish. He was concerned about his relationship with the local religious population and decided to keep Apostle Paul a prisoner. The governor called Apostle Paul often to his court to hear him speak of Jesus and what was to come. Upon one particular visit the governor stated “that’s enough for today, I’ll call you back when it’s convenient” He also was hoping to receive a bribe from Apostle Paul.
This story still happens a lot today. We all are guilty of doing this same thing at some point in our lives. We invite God in our court only when it’s convenient for us. When he gets to close or asks a little more than we are willing to give we say” that’s enough for today, I’ll call you back when it’s convenient”. We also have, at some point, fell into the bribery plot. We tell God we will do this or that “if” this or that can take place. None of us wants to be a friend of convenience. Only summoned when the other person has a fancy for small talk but dismissed quickly when it becomes inconvenient for them.
God desires a close relationship where open and honest communication takes place. We can’t do all the talking and quickly dismiss Him. We also cannot keep Him around in hopes to receive a bribe. God longs for relationship not religious practices. That’s why He sent His Son Jesus. He wanted to reunite with us, His creation.
Talking with God should be as simple as talking to your best friend. A true friend always gives the other person a chance to say what’s on their heart. Let’s put a new effort in today to be a true friend of God. Remember that Jesus called His disciples friends. God is quick to commune with an open and honest heart and is ready to start today!