Morning Moments

Philippians Devotional Outline continued

3. THE COMMUNICATION "bold to speak the word"

[1:14] And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

When what may appear to be "bad news" speads in can be opportunity for the "Good News" to be shared. That is what happened here and that demonstrates the level of our commitment. Strangely enough, humans are strange enough to be motiviated more often by bad news that good news.

The sign reads "STOP" but most folks roll right through it because there is not much traffic there, vision is clear, and people drive carefully here anyway. Then comes a tragedy, someone did not stop, someone was killed and for a brief time others are more careful, but it doesn't last long. That is human nature - bad news - tragedy, brought good news - people are more careful.

Word spreads! That's communication. The leader of the Christian movement is in jail and as we shall see the response is both positive and negative, but there is response. The others who proclaimed the Gospel of Christ did it more fervently and more boldly.

Think of it this way: Martin Luther King led the peaceful protests against segregation - that was a positive thing. He and others face much opposition and there were beatings and deaths - that was a negative thing. But the outcome brought a greater sense of right and wrong, acceptance and appreciation for all raced throughout our country - THAT was a positive result. Those who may have stood on the sideline became active against racial segregation. It proves my point that what may appear to some to be "bad news", as communicated properly and passionately can become "good news" to many.

Today, you may be without a job - that's bad news, but as a result you have some time to do something for somebody that you could not have done before - that's good news because your bad news has led to a good result. Think about it!

BLESSINGS!