"And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought:
But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God."
Acts 5:38-39
Gamaliel gives some good advice here, as the council was considering slaying the apostles. They were really upset by the message that they were spreading, understandably, because they were cast in the role of villians for crucifying the Christ. I have no idea to what extent that they were villians... I suppose that it depends on whether they knew who he was, that they were making a mistake, and had the spirit confirm that to them or not. That would be much worse than just being greedy and power-hungry, though of course neither is good. In either case, they listened to Gamaliel, and let the apostles go (after beating them). And of course, the work was of God, and they couldn't overthrow it.
This is likely also good advice for us, any time we think that we have to contend with someone else. In most cases, even when people are attacking our image or reputation directly, the best choice is to let it go (including NOT beating people), and let God handle those large movements that we can't possibly control or influence through argument. If they are of men, they will fail, and if they are of God, they will persist permanently.
Today, let's work really hard not to be the villains, and let's refuse to contend or retaliate, but follow Christ's example of peacemaking, and these apostles, who reminded the council that "we ought to obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:29).
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