Facing Rejection

Our Daily Bread

“Our physical and spiritual children watch the path we’re taking. As God’s men and women, let’s make certain we cut a righteous, wise, and clear trail. Then if ongoing generations choose to follow, the trail can become a highway—an ongoing legacy to God’s glory.” —Dave Egner

Have you thought about the fact that your life is a testimony to your children and to those you meet?  There are many people, even those who go to church who have a hard time preventing the culture they live in everyday from affecting their view of what is right and what is wrong.  In fact, for many there are no longer clear lines between what God says and what the culture says.  Oh, I don’t mean about things like murder … although most people would tell you that is wrong … our minds are filled with murder every day through television … think about some of the most popular television shows … think about how graphic they are … children see things that children should never see .. a generation has been raised thinking that sex and violence are entertainment … something to take you mind off of your worries …

In order to entertain this culture of ours … the intensity is constantly being increased so what would have shocked us five years ago, is now no big deal.  We teach our children cultural values this way .. why are we surprised when they side for the culture when it is challenged by the Word of God. 

“And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.” (Deuteronomy 6:6-7)

People think we who stand on the truth of the Word are intolerant of others.  They think we just don’t understand … that we don’t care about people when , in fact, it is they who do not understand and it is they who don’t care.  Their eyes have been blinded from the truth.  Only God can remove the scales from their eyes so they can see.  So they can see God’s purposes .. the hopelessness of our culture … that it only can offer death not life …

To take a stand for God may mean rejection by people that you care a great deal about … That is a choice and temptation that you must face … the choice between God and the world is never more stark than when it is your son or daughter, brother or sister, mother or father …. The temptation to yield to the culture so someone you care about wont’s reject you because of what you believe. 

“For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness. Therefore he who rejects this does not reject man, but God, who has also given us His Holy Spirit.”  (1 Thessalonians 4:7-8)

I have been there and I have not always made the right choice … Remember … the battle you see raging is spiritual … Don’t be surprised by it .. but be reminded that once you were where they are .. and it took an encounter with God to change your heart … as I type these words my heart is heavy for people I love.  I can see why Jesus wept over Jerusalem .. Why Abraham pleaded for God to spare Sodom and Gomorrah. 

I don’t mean for this to depress you with this .. but to stir you … to make you aware of what is going on around us … to be salt and light in your world … that starts with your family. 

Bondye Beni Ou (God Bless You)