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Sticks And Stones
I've noticed that a lot of Christians (online, vlogging) who are spreading the gospel to their viewers have been coming under a horde of opposition. They receive a lot of insults and hurtful comments all over their channels and videos. Just, all over the place. I've seen some of you become discouraged when it happens, starting to feel, why the bother? Why should I put myself through this if this is the response I'm going to get? But, stop and think. How did people respond to Jesus, and His words? How did people respond to Him when He was here and doing His ministry? When He spoke, people went into an uproar. The Pharisees hated Him, and plotted out ways that they could take Him out of the picture, just because of what He was teaching. They didn't like what He had to say. If we are truly following in the footsteps of the Savior, and if we are truly teaching His message, then we're going to find in some instances that we will be despised as well. We can't teach the message of Christ and really follow in His path, while also being loved by the world. It doesn't work that way. Remember, we are to be in this world, but not to be of it. When you find opposition because of your faith, don't let it surprise you. Don't let it sneak up and catch you off guard. The Bible tells us that the Word offends. We've been warned about this in advance. We experience it, and it surprises us, but it shouldn't. If you really are grounded in the word of God, and you're really teaching the message of Christ and living that example, there are those who will be offended. There's no avoiding it. So, if you're on youtube and you're spreading the word of God, don't expect to have the most popular channel. Don't expect to receive mostly favorable comments or votes, or anything like that. Don't expect to go on there and be well-liked, because chances are that's not what will happen. In your regular life, when you go out in the world to work, or school, or wherever, don't expect to be pat on the back and have your hand shaken for a message well shared. That's not how it works. It may be ugly and hurtful the way people react to you, and the things that they say, but we should expect just this. We need to realize, it's okay. When we experience this, when people hate us and insult us for being Christians, it's okay. If you're coming against opposition, and you are firmly grounded in the word of God, then this shows that you're on the right track. It also means that the message is getting out to those who really need to hear it. If you really think about it, if you're getting favorable comments and messages, praising you for it, then basically you're preaching to the choir. Now, don't get me wrong, it's good to have Christian fellowship, and to encourage each other. It's good to give messages that will help other Christians to grow spiritually, all of this is good. But, at the same time we have to realize that it's important for us to come out of our comfort zones. It's important that we go out to where we know that people are not going to be so receptive to what we have to say, and still put that out there, and let them know about Jesus and Salvation, about God, about all of it. Again, yes you will come across opposition. We have to brave the insults of those who are offended by what we have to say, but you know, the message is getting out there. They can hear it and either choose to ignore it and go about their way, or maybe it will plant a seed. Even if you're not getting immediate results, you're giving them something to think about, something that may perhaps come into fruition later on. Also, something to consider is, those who are giving you the hardest time, the greatest opposition on this and fighting you the most, this may be indication that this person could be perhaps under conviction by the Holy Spirit at this time. It's hard to say, because we can't really just see into someone's heart and see what's going on, but God knows. As long as a person has breath in their body, we can't just write them off. Sometimes those that are the worst about giving someone a hard time for being a Christian have turned around and became saved themselves, saying that the whole time they were just fighting it, but it was gnawing at their mind and heart all along. Then they turn around and become maybe a preacher or a missionary, and really get out there and put their whole heart into it afterward. There's really no saying, but we just have to do our part, and leave the rest up to God and trust that He will do His part. For all you know, the one that's been hassling you and harassing you the most, perhaps they'll turn around and be the next preacher or missionary or youtube minister, whatever you want to call it, who is used to start a spiritual revival. Who knows? I'm praying for all of you, and I wish you all the best with the messages that you put online or even just with people in person, work or school or family members, whoever. God bless. |