Spiritual Wisdom Requires Acting on Biblical Facts Despite Your Fear
- Jack Selcher
- Oct 4
- 2 min read
Dr. Peter Drucker said, “Once the facts are clear, the decisions jump out at you.”1 Wise decision-makers collect pertinent facts.
Felix did that. He listened to the testimonies of Tertullus and Paul. Tertullus said Paul threatened the peace Rome desired, a ringleader of the Nazarenes, and a profaner of the Temple. No witnesses verified his charges. None could. Paul insisted he was not guilty of rebellion.
Felix recognized a religious dispute. He got the facts but did not act on them responsibly.
He cared more about keeping his position than making a just decision to release Paul. He delayed the decision. He kept Paul in protective custody and sent for him to hear about his faith in Christ.
Paul spoke of righteousness, self-control, and judgment. Righteousness is God’s gift credited to the account of all who trust in Christ. It is also a virtue. It is doing the right things. It becomes increasingly obvious as believers in Jesus mature in the faith.
Self-control is a by-product of faith in Christ. Drusilla and Felix had little of it. She had broken a previous marriage to marry Felix. The topic made them uncomfortable.
Paul talked about a coming day of judgment. The thought of giving an account of his life to God terrified Felix. Facts about Christianity made him squirm.
Many people do not understand Christianity. They practice religious distancing. Ninety-six million people in the United States claim no affiliation with a religion. It has increased by six percent in the last five years.2
They reject Christianity because of the off-putting behavior of professing Christians. They think that its teachings are out of step with modern cultural values.
Indeed, they are. That does not prove they are wrong. Biblical facts enable you to live a victorious and fruitful life. Spiritual wisdom requires acting on these facts despite fear of failure, change, or the unknown.
You overcome fear by trusting God enough to do what you fear. Fear is the highest hurdle to clear to bear much fruit that will remain. Trust in God for the strength to do what you know you should, despite your fear. What faith step does God want you to take?
Felix’s response to the facts Paul shared: “That’s enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you” (Acts 24:25 NIV).
Spiritual wisdom has no convenient time. God and people will remember how fully you loved, how boldly you shared your faith, and how freely you shared your resources with others. What is your takeaway? See additional free spiritual growth resources for Christians. #freediscipleshipresources #freeevangelismresources #freechristianleadershipresources
2. Almost One-Third of US Adults Claim No Religious Affiliation (sputniknews.com).
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