“The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit” 1 Corinthians 2:14
Paul makes it clear throughout the New Testament that we, as followers of Christ will be rejected by the world. Until I started to grasp and recognize that more often, rejection from the world is really the rejection of Christ in me, I was hurt and offended easily. More time spent reading the Bible revealed to me that pretty much, every follower of God had the same struggles! Joseph was sold by his brothers; David was on the run from his father-in-law/boss/King Saul; Ruth was a poor outsider gleaning the fields; Job lost everything and was chastised by his “friends”; Mary faced the ridicule of being an unwed mother; Jesus faced rejection from his own people and ultimately gave His life for us on the cross; all the disciples were persecuted and martyred for Christ…… Even today Christians are being persecuted for their belief in Jesus, why then do we think we should not experience the same?
Too often we hear sermons intended to make us “feel good”, a message
of prosperity that doesn’t fit the reality of life. Yes, God blesses and prospers His people, but often we think that means no hardships or difficulties, forgetting the “take up your cross daily” part. It is easy to choose “offense” and feel sorry for ourselves when we don’t have a full understanding of what following Christ entails.
Boldly standing for the Truth of God’s Word and even invoking the name of Jesus can offend. In fact, Jesus Himself said,
“Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth, I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.” Matthew 10:34.
As we walk these difficult days where common sense is rare, morals decline, character and integrity are passé…. Proclaiming the truth of God will cause us to loose friends and family! Pleasing man or God is what separates the “fans” from the “followers”. Fans, paint their chests and cheer the team on, but they are on the sidelines, not players in the game that make a real difference. Followers are in the middle of the action, making the plays, under the guidance of the coach. Not sure about you, but I want to be a pliable player used by God to do His work and bring Him Glory! Even if its unpopular, offensive and lonely.
Abundant Blessings,
Heidi Wilt
Amen Sister! …and it is just going to get worse from here on out. My prayer is that we will all be made aware of our assignments, and be faithful in their execution.
LikeLike
Agreed! We must stand firm in Christ and His Word, encouraging each Other!
LikeLike