(Wednesday) People Users

Scripture
Acts 16:19 - When her owners saw that their lucrative little business was suddenly bankrupt, they went after Paul and Silas, roughed them up and dragged them into the market square.

So this slave girl is possessed by a demon. For whatever reason (unclear because Paul waited several days), Paul finally releases her from her spiritual bondage. It's not bad enough that she was a slave to man, but she shared her body with a demon too. Her owners could care less about her. They are upset. Their business is bankrupt. She was a means to an end, worthless chattel in their eyes. But she mattered to God.

We run the same risks with people today. Though we may not own them, anytime we view someone as a means to an end we are like those slave owners. When we elevate meeting our own needs/wants/dreams at the expense of someone else we are in sin.

As a pastor it can be tempting to get the job done at any cost - even if it uses others. I've known pastors with this mindset. I don't think I've ever done this, though it would be easy to abuse the "power" and do so. It is a good reminder to stay the course and trust that God has a plan even when I don't see it, and know that I don't have to make a way.