The Apprentice

Acts 18:24-28
24 Now a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was an eloquent man, competent in the Scriptures. 25 He had been instructed in the way of the Lord. And being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John. 26 He began to speak boldly in the synagogue, but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him and explained to him the way of God more accurately. 27 And when he wished to cross to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples to welcome him. When he arrived, he greatly helped those who through grace had believed, 28 for he powerfully refuted the Jews in public, showing by the Scriptures that the Christ was Jesus.

How open are you to teaching, to rebuke, to correction? How willing are you to listen when someone else comes along to offer a better way?

You know the old jokes and sayings about women who ask for directions and men who will stay lost? Well, yesterday, while in a gas station, a man came in and asked for directions while the wife stayed in the car. It breaks the mold a little bit. But in our Christian walk, we should not be afraid to ask for directions, to ask for help, or ashamed that we don't know the way. Like Apollos, we too, can have an effective ministry while striving to learn more about ourselves and the God we serve. We don't have to do great works of convincing or arguing like Apollos, but we should be open to receive criticism when someone says, "You can do better."

Today, think of someone you can go to for directions, for guidance, or for hope. And if you are not ready to go to that person, say a prayer for them and for you, that the Holy Spirit will guide you into that person's path.

Prayer: God, help me to have the mind of an apprentice who learns from those willing to teach, that I may better know your will and walk in your way. Amen.

G. Thomas Martin