‘… and the name of Lord Jesus was magnified.’ Acts 19:17
Most are familiar with the term “scared straight,” often associated with exposing young individuals to the environment and effects of incarceration in hopes to get their attention refocused on what is right. This is not new per-say, in Ephesus this was experienced throughout the city during Paul’s mission stay there. The sons of Sceva, who was a high priest, had ill-motive in their works of ministry, obviously for personal gain, not heaven’s. When performing supposed exorcism’s, the sons were exposed by demonic spirits as being mis-focused on their efforts, are were possessed themselves and fled through the town naked and wounded (vs 16).
No humor intended, but in (vs 18-19) it states many confessed (sacred straight) and divulged their practices, and those who had books of incantations burned them in sight of all. There is a little levity here to say the least. Point being motive is so important within our heart and own ministry. I don’t believe any of us are practicing incantations, but why we do what we do must be for Jesus’s glory and heaven’s profit, and not our own. Be careful drawing attention in your efforts, you may receive the kind of attention you don’t desire.
The right thing, with the wrong motive, is the wrong thing… HSAY
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