We live in a world where everything is focused on getting ahead. Families have sacrificed being a family for the sake of having more. We get good jobs, to get better jobs, and the quest goes on and on. Today we look at a woman in the Bible who was a successful businesswoman, but after her salvation, she used it for God’s glory. Her life would not be about making more so she could buy more. but about giving more.
In Acts 16:9, Paul was in Troas on his second missionary journey. While there a vision appeared to Paul in the night. In this vision, Paul saw a man beckoning him to come to the area of Macedonia. In obedience to the call, Paul and his company start their journey to the area.
Act 16:9 “And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us.”
Paul had been directed to leave Asia and pursue bringing the gospel to Europe. Their first city to visit in Europe was Philippi. This was the chief city of that part of Macedonia. When the Sabbath day came Paul, and those with him, sought out where the Jews in that area worshiped. They found them by the river. There was obviously no temple in this city because we see later that they met in Lydia’s home. This river is where Paul meets Lydia. Lydia was a proselyte to the Jewish faith. This place of prayer was said to be the area where devout women would meet to pray on the sabbath day. From this, we know she was a seeker of the Lord.
Act 16:12-13 “And from thence to Philippi, which is the chief city of that part of Macedonia, and a colony: and we were in that city abiding certain days And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither.”
Lydia hears the gospel of Jesus Christ and she responds to the call to believe and follow Him. There was no hesitancy on her part to follow and do all that she could for her God. She had been seeking, and God provided her with the answers.
Lydia was not just any woman, but the Bible tells us she was a businesswoman. She sold purple cloth. Purple was the most valuable color, obtained usually from shellfish. It was chiefly worn by princes and by the rich, and the selling of it could be very profitable. In Luke 16:19, a rich man is described as one that wore purple.
Lydia had her own house and she had servants. Her home must have been larger than the average because she opens it to all of Paul’s company to use as their headquarters, while on this journey to establish a church. Later it becomes the first meeting place for the church that Paul established in Philippi.
This was not a fleeting thought, or something offered out of an opportunity to get to know these new strangers. Her devotion was demonstrated when Paul and Silas were thrown into prison, and the whole city was stirred up against them. When Paul and Silas were released under unusual circumstances she still encouraged them to use her home.
Act 16:40 “And they went out of the prison and entered into the house of Lydia: and when they had seen the brethren, they comforted them, and departed.”
She could have been like many today who keep their religious life on Sunday and when work comes they simply change gears. This is not the attitude of a person who wants to please God. It did not matter to Lydia if the opening of her home to these men that were stirring things up would hurt her business. Her decisions were not based on her comfort or her bank account. Her love for God and his people came first. If she lost business because of her stand, so be it. She trusted God and her desire was to obey. Even after pressure and possible danger her zeal and devotion were maintained. Her new associates were thrown into prison, and later told to leave the city. Nothing could cause this well-to-do lady to change her mind, or influence her to alter her stand. If she were to be a pauper or a rich person, she would be true to the teachings of God and follow his path at any cost.
Is that your resolve? Have you sought out what the Bible says about all the situations of your life? Your employment, your friends, where you go, what you watch and listen to? How about the way you treat your family? Are you seeking to serve in a local church by first being faithful to all services? Everything about us should be governed by God’s direction. Nothing in our lives should be off-limits to him. Start today and examine your life by the scriptures. If you find areas where there are question marks or disobedience bring it to the throne. Repent and seek to do it his way.
