"When so many people turn against you, you should examine yourself."
This is a "truth" that is actually not very true at all. In the sense of a 'self-check', perhaps. But this quote can be very dangerous if taken at face-value, for true believers are targeted for persecution.
In the Word of God, we can look at countless examples of good people enduring unfair acts of hatred. John the Baptist was beheaded at the request of a young girl.
King David, the "Man after God's own heart", lived a life of persecution. In fact, many chapters in that powerful book of Psalms, (which we love to quote and pray) were written from a place of duress.
Jesus, the perfect man in whom there was no guile- was crucified by the very people whom he gave his life healing and touching.
And how many of us may feel undeservingly hated! As the apostles traveled from city to city preaching the gospel and changing lives- they were usually leaving the city by night and in severe danger. In one moment the crowds would cheer with praise, and in the next they would be threatening to stone them, possessed with a spirit of envy.
But, if you dare to go deeper, we will find a startling truth- that it is actually in God's will that we suffer hateful persecution. His will that we don't fit in. In His will that we are hated. #ForHisNameSake.
Jesus says:
“Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.”
Matthew 5:10-11
This scripture is proof that you can be doing everything right, and you will still be lied on, excluded, hated of men. Even if you're doing everything right.😩. Even by church people. Even though you don't deserve it. Even though you just got done being persecuted a minute ago.
God has revealed to me that we often miss the message of that scripture, the #Blessed part. God has tremendous blessings in store for those who go through the valley. Those who overcome shall wear a crown of life, and live a bomb eternity🙌🏾.
“And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.”
Matthew 10:38-39 KJV
The bottom line is, persecution is not a one-time test. In the life of a true CHRISTian overcoming persecution is a life skill. After many painful trials, I have had to come to grips with this truth-and actually accept it in order see God's plan more clearly.
And even in this world, God says he will make your enemies your footstool. Leaving it to God doesn't mean they will "get away" with persecuting you. It simply means God can use each of those footstools to elevate you, each and every time you overcome. After all, God used Goliath to get him into that palace! And so many other of his enemies to establish his powerful lineage. And He will use your enemies, your haters, and your hardship for your good, too.#Romans8:18
So I'll end this piece with this: If you've never suffered persecution, and you tend to fit in quite cozily wherever you venture- perhaps you should check to make sure your cross is still strapped on.
Mallory ❤️❤️❤️
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