Some said that he was "stubborn," "hard-headed," and "mean-spirited." Lots of folks told of run-ins with him and almost everyone knew of his reputation. "It won't do any good to talk to him. He's un-approachable." Others added, "He'll just get mad, and you DON'T want to make him mad!" That's what people thought about him.

Are we talking about some preacher or elder in the church? Maybe a cranky old member in a local congregation? No! Actually we have in mind the apostle Paul. Prior to his conversion (when he was still known as Saul of Tarsus) he had a truly bad reputation. At that time he was actively persecuting the church. He was personally responsible for putting many Christians in prison, and when some were put to death, he said, "I gave my voice against them" (Acts 26:10).

Are you surprised that Ananias reacted negatively when the Lord told him to go see Saul? "I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done!" (Acts9:13). "But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way; for he is a chosen vessel unto me" (vs. 15).

Even to this day - when there are problems in the church - we hear people excuse themselves from their duty by saying, "he's too stubborn," or "it won't do any good." Frequently the charge is made that someone (often a preacher or elder) is "un-approachable." We have two responses to such statements:

1) How do you know this person is so "stubborn" and "un-approachable?" How can you be sure "it won't do any good?" Have you ever tried to talk to the individual? Be careful about making unfair and harsh judgments (Mt.7:1,2).

2) Even if your impressions are accurate, it still does not excuse you from fulfilling your God-given duty (Mt. 18:15-17; Gal. 6:1). No one ever had a better excuse than Ananias, but the Lord said "go thy way. . . " We need to do the same!

No one can predict how much good can result when we do what needs to be done. Look at Paul's life! Let's get busy!