Minds Evil Affected

But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren. Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands. But the multitude of the city was divided: and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles. And when there was an assault made both of the Gentiles, and also of the Jews with their rulers, to use them despitefully, and to stone them, They were ware of it, and fled unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and unto the region that lieth round about: And there they preached the gospel. Acts 14:2-7 (KJV) emphasis mine

Paul and Barnabas spoke to a great multitude of people, but others stirred them up, making their minds evil affected towards them. The phrase evil affected tells us that they managed to turn their minds against Paul and Barnabas, promoting evil thoughts and intentions towards them. We must guard our minds so people don’t negatively affect how we think or act. Don’t let people who don’t believe affect your mind to do or think wrongly towards others.

What do you do when others stir up people against you? Paul and Barnabas stood their ground for a long time, speaking boldly in the Lord. Be bold. Speak God’s Word. Do what God put you there to do.. Instead of letting others evil affect your mind, keep your mind focused on God and His Word. Because Paul and Barnabas stayed, they were able to give testimnoy of the Lord with signs and wonders. Then, more attacks came against them for doing God’s work. Finally, when they faced bodily harm, they moved on. There is a time to stay and a time to leave. They went on to Lystra and preached the good news there.

Don’t allow the enemy to make your mind evil affected through mistreatment. Stay in God’s Word to keep godly thoughts. Instead, allow God to affect your mind for good, producing good and righteous thoughts. Don’t let the devil, man, or the circumstances of life affect your mind with evil. If you notice your thoughts going the wrong way, get in the Word of God. Let it clean your mind and fill you with good, positive thoughts. Overcome evil with good. Preach the Word, do God’s work, and keep walking in the way of God, reaching as many as possible for the Lord.