When it's convenient?!?

We are often focused on our own comfort or convenience. We do not feel the sense of urgency for the work of God. Whether we’re followers of Christ, or without Christ, life is often about what is convenient for us.

In Acts 24, Paul was brought before Felix, Governor of the province. Felix had listened to the accusations against Paul, but had delayed the decision regarding his guilt. Instead, he placed Paul under guard while allowing some freedom and visits by friends. Paul was guarded in this way for two years before Felix was called to Rome and succeeded by Festus. During the two years, Felix had many opportunities to talk with Paul. The passage tells us that Felix called him often hoping Paul would give him a bribe to gain his freedom. However, Paul used this opportunity to share his faith.

In looking at the history of Felix, we can gain some insights into his character during this time.

“Felix’s cruelty and licentiousness, coupled with his accessibility to bribes, led to a great increase of crime in Judaea … The period of his rule was marked by internal feuds and disturbances, which he put down with severity.” (http://www.reference.com - Antonius Felix).

This was the man who called for Paul, hoping to receive a bribe. Paul was knowledgeable of Felix. In verse 10 (Acts 24), he says as a preamble to his defense at his trial, “I know that for a number of years you have been a judge over this nation.” Despite the notoriety, Paul uses this opportunity to share his faith, Acts 24:24, “Felix and his wife went to visit Paul and to listen to his sharing of his faith in Christ.”Paul shares in his letter to the Corinthians, “I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.” He knew of the urgency of reaching those without Christ.

Unfortunately, “today” wasn’t convenient for Felix. "As Paul discoursed on righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, 'That's enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you.'" And, although the passage indicates that he sent for Paul frequently, he did so because he was hoping for a bribe.

We don’t always know the outcome as we share our faith. But, we are called to be faithful nonetheless. It may not be convenient for us. In Paul’s case, it certainly wasn’t convenient. He was conversing with a man who was known for his cruelty and self-centeredness. In the Corinthians passage regarding the urgency of salvation, Paul demonstrates that it’s not about convenience (2 Corinthians 6:4-10):

Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; in purity, understanding,
patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left; through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors; known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed; sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything.

He spoke the gospel freely … in every way, in great endurance. Felix was convicted but not converted … because it wasn’t convenient. Today is the day, because “[God] will not always strive with man.” (Genesis 6:3) For followers of Christ, in spite of the rejections, let’s "... commend ourselves in every way … [with] great endurance.”