I found myself in Acts 17 again this week.

This is one of my favorites, with all the feels: adventure, respect, rejection, acceptance, ridicule, agreement, repulsion, persuasion, invitation, jealousy, wickedness, mob mentality, inclusion, agitation…I could go on, there’s so much more. All the players here express just about every reaction and emotion possible in this one chapter–except for Paul. He must have had nerves of steel because he just looks cool, calm and collected throughout all these events.

What’s your typical response when you’re faced with all the feels above?

I’m rarely faced with that much in one day,  but there are chunks of time when I’m experiencing 10 out of the 14. How about you? That’s roughly 70%, definitely a majority! That makes for a pretty tough time if you ask me. And when times are tough, life feels difficult, and I can go into a deep dark hole in my mind, which spirals me to want to give up so I can get out of that trouble I’m facing. How do tough times affect you?

I see Paul finding himself in all kinds of trouble, but I don’t see him going into that “deep dark hole”. Trouble was usual and customary for him, bless his heart. I want to know how he managed to stay on top when trouble was pressing in from every direction. Paul was not one to back down. Reading his story in Acts 17, you’ll see him running from a mob, sneaking out of the city by night, and finally leaving a group who disagreed with his discussion. But he’s not backing down. He’s exercising wisdom and protection. Protection of something bigger than himself.

Here’s the thing: Paul had systems set in place, and he worked those systems, in order to accomplish the mission he’d been given.

Practicing an already-set system frees up the energy to manage emotions in the need of the moment. Passion is greater than emotion. Passion in truth is stronger than emotions from circumstances.

I see 3 Clear Constants in Paul’s Usual & Customary System:

1. Methodical Intentionality – Look at the words in Acts 17:2, “And according to Paul’s custom, he went to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures…”  It was Paul’s custom to reason with people from the Scriptures. Paul had a system set in place, and he intentionally worked that system. If we were doing a biography of Paul, we’d find his calling was to the masses, much like Billy Graham. Paul’s system began with teaching truth to religious leaders. Starting at the top, he’d begin in the synagogue of the city. Additionally, he would oversee a team of church-planters to motivate believers, then move on to the next city, repeating the process. An Intentional Method was Usual & Customary.
2. Clear Message – Notice Acts 17:3, “explaining and giving evidence that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying ‘This Jesus whom I am proclaiming to you is the  Christ.’ ” This was the main message, free and clear. I don’t care who you were, when Paul was talking to you,  the Gospel of Jesus Christ was the bottom line. Clarity of Message was Usual & Customary. 
3. Respectful Delivery –  (this is my favorite part of the story) Yes, speaking to religious leaders was the method, the gospel was the message, but you don’t find Paul busting down the front door, exploding Truth all over the room because EVERYBODY needs the truth, right? No. I mean, yes, everyone needs the truth, but no, truth does not have to begin as an explosion. Paul has the attention of the Areopagus, the major philosophers of the day, and he leads with, “I see you are very religious in all respects. As I was walking along I saw your many shrines. I noticed one of your altars had this inscription: ‘To an Unknown God’. This God, whom you worship without knowing is the one I’m telling you about.”  Speaking respectfully, Paul has earned the right to share the truth of the gospel. Now he shares deep theology of God as Creator, as worthy of worship. He even quotes supporting truth written by one of their own poets. Respectful Delivery was Usual & Customary.

When you read the rest of the story, it doesn’t have the happiest ending–or does it?? When Paul gets to the crux of the truth, there’s sneering and objection…just like earlier in the chapter, and Paul’s discussion with them ends. But here’s the full story: some wanted to hear more later, and some joined him and became believers.

I find it hard to deal with sneering and objection. I usually feel rejection. Do you?

In last week’s post, we considered the questions:

• Do you have the desire to impact your world?
• Do you want to influence with lasting impact, rather than just for your own lifetime?

Paul’s 3 Clear Constants can serve as strong guidelines in all our relationships: professional, personal or spiritual. 

1. Know your Intentional Method. Paul’s primary habit was teaching the gospel. What is your personal primary habit in regard to relationships? What kinds of systems can you develop to practice that habit? 
2. Clarify Your Message. Paul reasoned with others. He did not just “preach” at them. In the original Greek use of “reasoning”, is the word, dialogue. We observe Paul as conversational with give-and-take, back-and-forth, asking provoking questions, allowing others to grapple with ideas. always backing up his answers with strong truth. I think we sometimes mistake questioning and doubting as rejection. Could it be that doubting provokes questions, and questions can lead to finding truth? I’m reminded of God’s loving words in Jeremiah 33:3, “Ask me and I will tell you remarkable secrets you do not know...” [NLT] If God invites questions, it’s probably a good idea for us to be open to questions. What is your initial reaction to questioning? Have you developed a system for responding?
3. Always Be Respectful. Paul knew his audience. We demonstrate respect when we consider others’ perceptions and perspectives. Only then do we earn the right to speak truth into their lives and present the opportunity for them to grasp the life-giving idea available to them. How do you intentionally extend respect to others in your relationships?

Every one of us is impactful, whether we intend to be or not. How does your Usual & Customary affect your impact?