In John 15:18-27, Mark 13:13 and Matthew 10:22 we are repeatedly told by Christ that people will hate us because we choose to follow him. However, what is unfortunate is that those who profess to be Christians can be the ones to dish out the fiercest attacks!
Not long ago I met up with a fellow Christian as I was working who I hadn’t seen in a while. He asked me how I was doing and eventually the topic of religion popped up. He started asking me questions about what I believed in which I gladly answered. However, what was a pleasant conversation took a turn for the worst as he began to ask about my thoughts on certain topics in the bible. He started to get hyped up as we talked about Christianity today, the Sabbath and the Trinity. Then all of a sudden, the conversation switched to me. He started to accuse me of posting too much biblical stuff on Facebook. How he thought I was trying to act like a preacher, how I was doing too much of talking about God and how I was trying too hard to be good because I wouldn’t attend a certain event. Talk about zero to 100 real quick! Like I literally had no room to respond because he was on the defensive and had his accusations ready. I was completely taken back by this.
In my mind, as I was talking to him I tried to brush it off and I said Lord, you know I love you and everything I do Lord is for your glory and your namesake. But as he continued I got a little upset so I kindly dismissed him to carry on with my work. My mind went into overdrive! I thought to myself, this must be the devil because I don’t think I do too much for God, in fact, I could do MORE and BETTER; If I was doing too much that it was offensive, one of my friends or family would have told me … I prayed but still had some doubt then I even went as far as scrolling all the way on my Facebook profile looking for any offenses that would lead someone to believe I was doing too much. Nothing really stuck out to me as I considered maybe to stop posting about God and hold up on writing my blog. I was really upset and slightly confused because this guy basically questioned my entire character, faith, and motives with no tangible cause. I talked to a good friend of mine who is of the Muslim faith and asked him if he thought I portrayed offensive Christianity to which he replied “No” and how he actually enjoyed and got some encouragement from the verses and quotes I posted and he admired my faith etc. Later on, that evening I phoned my Dad (Love him) and he put things in perspective for me. He said to me daughter, the devil can come and attack people in different ways and sometimes he utilises people into leading you into thinking that you’re doing wrong when as a Christian, you should not be ashamed to show Gods leading in your life -Deny Christ he will deny you on the day of Judgment. He continued to say don’t be drawn into arguments with the devil for doing the work of the Lord!
That conversation with him really got me into thinking because it’s something that too often happens in the Christian faith. Basically, some Christians say statements like “you’re doing too much to try and please God. It doesn’t take all that. Why do you keep posting about this? You’re being extra”. Like since when has that been a thing? When has trying, your best been a bad thing? In sports, they say go hard or go home, but do that for Christ, lukewarm Christians and those who enjoy sin say it’s too much. Since when?
If people can be bold about their own beliefs and lifestyles which have nothing to do with God, then why should you deny Christ? How can you aspire and live too holy when heaven is the goal? How is not getting drunk and going to wild parties being extra? How is warning people about the second coming of Christ too much? Maybe we aren’t doing the most and actually doing the minimum and that effort is rubbish and not even worthy to present to God.
That evening as I went to do my evening devotion, God drew me to the book of Job chapters 1 and 2, God actually asks Satan if he considered His Servant Job., God brought Job to Satan's attention, not because Job was doing wrong or “too much”, but because Job was the greatest servant of God on the earth at that time. When Job started getting attacked,his WIFE and FRIENDS who should have known better even encouraged him to curse God and die!
The devil's main focus is to divert, distract and disarm those who are promoting the rule of God on the earth as it is in heaven. He will use anything or ANYONE. Don’t let people guilt or shame you for your love for God when their own love for themselves is limiting them into accessing the intimacy and relationship with God that you have and/or are attempting to reach. Do not allow surface level people to guide you on heavenly things because they can’t understand it. If you are sold out for God continue to be in His word, don't be discouraged when you are attacked or allow yourself to be deceived into thinking that you’re doing too much for God because there is no such thing! You are being targeted because you are hitting the devil where it hurts! This is why Paul said "Our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against principalities, powers and the rulers of darkness in high places" (Ephesians 6:10-13)., The apostle Peter also tells us to resist the devil, standing firm in the faith (1 Pet. 5:9). Peter understood first hand that faith in God is pivotal against attack because, when he denied Christ three times, Jesus prayed for him that his "faith" would not fail (Luke 22:31-32).
Do not ever think that just because God is calling you to do something that it will be easy. Jesus did the will of God and He was crucified. He died for you and me to live forever. So, let’s asks ourselves, are we doing enough and if not, how can we not do the most after Jesus has done so much for us?
Love Rejoicexox.
Stand like the brave Girl ! If God is for you who can be against us
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