Paul said, “See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:15–16) In Acts 17, we find Paul at the Areopagus, where he said: “Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious.” (Acts 17:22) Why? They had an altar to every god they could name at the time. Their piety to false gods was so devout that they even had an altar to the unknown god. You know, to cover all the bases in case the one they did not know was the one with a temper. However, the reality is that no matter how religious someone is, they say they are or appear to be, they are truly lost without a saving relationship with Jesus. It is not enough to know about Jesus. He must know us on a relational level as we come to Him by faith and live a life loyal to Him alone. Now back to our text, Paul goes on to tell them all about the wonderful power and promise of Jesus and His resurrection; then the chapter ends with this, “Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked. But others said, “We will hear you again about this. So, Paul went out from their midst. But some men joined him and believed.” (Acts 17:32–34) No matter how hard we try to convince someone or how long we plead with the lost person about their need for Jesus, some will simply not believe.
Some may even be downright mean to us in reaction to the gracious message of hope. So, what do we do with that? Quit? Sit around and pout? Not at all. In fact, we are to press in all the more with the love and compassion that is given to sinners in need of a savior. We keep sharing with everyone and anyone who will lend a willing ear. Hey who knows, maybe the Gospel of God will change their lives forever! Time is ticking. Never give up on people. Never surrender to discouragement. Keep telling people about Jesus. Jesus said, And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. (Matthew 28:18–20) So as you are going today, tell someone about Jesus, for the day of their salvation might be today!