The Art of Confrontation - Stressing the Rails - April 29, 2022, Stressing the Rails with Dr. Michael W. Wesley Sr. - Greater Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church with Dr. Michael W. Wesley Sr.

The Art of Confrontation - Stressing the Rails - April 29, 2022

April 29, 2022

DAILY DEVOTIONAL FROM PASTOR WESLEY April 29, 2022

The Art of Confrontation

When difficult topics come up in a relationship, the best way to proceed is by listening to the Holy Spirit.

And someone came to Him and said, ``Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may obtain eternal life?" And He said to him, ``Why are you asking Me about what is good? There is only One who is good; but if you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments." Then he said to Him, ``Which ones?" And Jesus said, ``YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT MURDER; YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT ADULTERY; YOU SHALL NOT STEAL; YOU SHALL NOT BEAR FALSE WITNESS; HONOR YOUR FATHER AND MOTHER; and YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF." The young man said to Him, ``All these things I have kept; what am I still lacking?" Jesus said to him, ``If you wish to be complete, go and sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me." But when the young man heard this statement, he went away grieving; for he was one who owned much property. Matthew 19:16-22

Have you ever noticed how often Jesus said things people didn’t want to hear? He loved the rich young ruler but knew the prospect of giving up possessions would be distressing. Yet Jesus urged him anyway, because He wanted the young man to enter the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 19:16-22). Or consider the woman at the well—a conversation between a Jew and a Samaritan was taboo to begin with, but Jesus even brought up the disquieting topic of her relationships with multiple men. For Him, however, the discomfort was necessary to point her in the direction of eternal life (John 4:1-29).

It’s tempting to think that if we’re nice and pleasing, then we are handling our friendships in a Christlike way. But Scripture makes it clear that keeping the status quo isn’t a Christian value. Instead, our main priority is to follow God’s Spirit—even if He leads us into uncomfortable conversations with people we love. Though we should encourage friends more often than we confront them, ultimately, we’re to rely on the Holy Spirit to know when—and how—to do both.

Think about it

Are you inclined to avoid or engage in confrontation? How might that affect your response to the Spirit’s promptings?

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About Dr. Michael W. Wesley Sr.

Dr. Michael W. Wesley Sr. is a native of Birmingham, Alabama where he was educated in the public school system. He graduated from Tennessee State University, Nashville,Tennessee with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Music Education. He received a Master’s Degree in Music Education; a Class A certification in School Principal ship and the Educational Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership from Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama. In addition, Dr. Wesley received a Bible Diploma and Bible Certification from Birmingham Baptist Bible College. He completed the Beeson Institute for Advanced Church Leadership Program from Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky. Dr. Wesley earned the Doctor of Ministry Degree from Louisiana Baptist University and Theological Seminary in Shreveport, Louisiana May 2006.

Dr. Wesley retired in 2003 after a brilliant 26-year career as an educator in the Birmingham Public Schools. He served as a teacher, assistant principal and principal of three different schools (Powderly Elementary; Arrington Middle and was the first African American principal of Woodlawn High School). He served on the Central Office staff as Extended Day Principal and Coordinator of Safe and Drug Free Schools.

Dr. Wesley is regularly sought after to speak in both schools and churches. He has had the privilege of speaking across the nation and in several foreign countries. His spiritual gifts of teaching and preaching are well documented. He is a member of many organizations. His civic and professional associations are too numerous to mention.

Most recent is the evidence of his leadership, occurred with the completion of a multimillion dollar edifice and education facility located in the heart of the West End community.

Dr. Wesley is currently the pastor of the Greater Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church in the West End community where he has given thirty years of service. He has a great love for people and for learning.

He is married to the former Venita Burkes, and is the father of two sons, Rev. Michael Wesley Jr. and James Edward, one grandson and two granddaughters.

Dr. Wesley is the author of three books, When God Changes A Church, Everybody Deserves A Good Funeral and Reaching the Unchurched_Pathway to Church Growth.

Greater Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church

Dr. Michael W. Wesley Sr.