“After spending some time in Antioch, Paul set out from there and traveled from place to place throughout the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples.“
Acts 18:23

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MARCH 31, 2025

We cannot underestimate the power of words. Words shape us whether we want them to or not. Words move us to make decisions, affect and infect how we view others. It is impossible to live as a human and not absorb words.

So, what kinds of words are we absorbing? If we were to keep a daily record for one month of who and what we listen to, what would that list reveal? Whose words, ideas, narratives, opinions, perspectives, and beliefs fill our minds?

There is a battle waging for our minds. This is why we need to be word-driven disciples—disciples who spend time humbly studying, reflecting, meditating on Scripture, seeking to understand it more clearly, asking for the grace of the Holy Spirit to reveal truth. We need to be disciples whose minds are drenched to dripping in Scripture, in God’s voice. Because if we spend more time absorbing media, social media, ads, commercials, internet content, movies, music, influencers, absorbing the opinions of our family members and friends, absorbing the words of politicians and celebrities, then we allow the world to shape our minds instead of God.

When I was recovering from a cold the other day, I noticed that even the wrapper on my Halls Cough and Throat Relief Cherry Flavor Drops shouted messages at me! On my wrapper was written, “Take charge and mean it! You got it in you! You’ve survived tougher! It’s yours for the taking!” Wow. Big words, from a lozenge.

Sit down for a bit and watch commercials. Make notes of what you hear, what is promised, what message is relayed. Then ask yourself, what does God say with regards to this?

Most of the messages I hear say, essentially: If you take this product, you will have a happy life, the life that you want. You can have control. You are in charge of your life. You can be spared pain and suffering and discomfort because of this.

These messages stand in contrast to what Jesus taught His disciples: following Jesus means surrendering control of our lives to him, taking the lowest place of service, accepting a life of pain and suffering in order to follow Christ. God’s Word is a needed and compassionate assault to all other words that stand against His truth.

This week we are meditating, absorbing, ruminating and wrestling with Acts 18:23-19:10. Ask the Holy Spirit to give us strength to wrestle with this text and study it, to temporarily set aside all other voices and distractions. What does God have to say about being word driven disciples?

Questions for reflection and discussion:

  • What words (voices, opinions, perspectives) influence you the most?
  • Was there a time when God’s Word confronted your own opinions, understanding and perspective? If so, how did you respond to the challenge?

 

Church Reading Plan: Leviticus 2-3; John 21