“But Felix, having a rather accurate knowledge of the Way, put them off, saying, ‘When Lysias the tribune comes down, I will decide your case.’ Then he gave orders to the centurion that he should be kept in custody but have some liberty, and that none of his friends should be prevented from attending to his needs.
“After some days Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, and he sent for Paul and heard him speak about faith in Christ Jesus. And as he reasoned about righteousness and self-control and the coming judgment, Felix was alarmed and said, ‘Go away for the present. When I get an opportunity I will summon you.’ At the same time he hoped that money would be given him by Paul. So he sent for him often and conversed with him. When two years had elapsed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And desiring to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul in prison.” Acts 24:22-27
“‘I know your works. You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your works complete in the sight of my God. Remember, then, what you received and heard. Keep it, and repent… Wake up…
“I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.” Revelation 3:1-3,15-16
Felix, most excellent Felix, (2) relished his authority and the respect his long time position afforded him. (10) He was proficient in making himself just knowledgeable enough about the Way that he didn’t have to make a decision that might effect any inner consternation. He preferred pomp to principle, putting off to taking a possibly unpopular stand. He desired to please but couldn’t commit to faith to please the only One worthy.
What a contrast this waffling governor was to earnest, focused Paul! Felix had eyes for whomever could stroke his ego or get him ahead; Paul, no longer enamored with the things of the world, had eyes only for Jesus who changes the heart. Two years spent listening and never receiving left Felix lukewarm, whereas from the start, Paul’s heart was afire. (Acts 9:17-25)
What about us? Are our desires carried along by the wind and opinions of this world? Who and what hold sway over our motives and motivations? Do we play it safe in the culture, knowledgeable enough about many things but committed to none? Or do we intentionally set our desires above the world on things above? How earnestly do we set our course to be led by the Spirit and to know our Savior? (Exodus 33:13,18; Colossians 3:1-2)
While there are many alluring forces that flirt with our emotions and will every day, by God’s Spirit and practice we can learn to say no to unrighteousness. We can keep short accounts and quickly repent when convicted. We can reckon ourselves dead to sin and alive to Christ. (Romans 6:11; Titus 2:11-12; 1 John 1:9)
Lord, purify and fuel my every desire and keep steering me in Your path, guided by Your Spirit, unto Your honor.
As the rain and snow 