Good morning,
Since we have been on the topic of what the Bible has to say about our words, there is one aspect of this area that the Lord has shown me has a completely different value then I thought when I first began serving as a pastor. It was quite a shock to realize that anybody could say anything about me to anyone they chose and I would not be able to clearly defend myself from their attack. I had seen some of this kind of treatment on the mission field, but I always assumed that my integrity and love for the Lord and the people around me would protect my reputation. Even though my wife and I were held hostage by the church and the communists, the fact that we were in a foreign setting somehow masked the reality of the situation. When I returned home and began to serve in America, I suddenly became painfully aware of all sorts of situations and stories based on personal attacks on godly people. As I was struggling with this reality, the Lord led me to Matthew 5:10-12 and the truth of what God was up to became a comfort instead of a driving fear.
When Jesus was talking to his disciples about the blessings that come with following God, he brought up the idea that being persecuted can be a good thing for those who are living the right way. In fact, he promised us that God would bless us when people make fun of us, mistreat us in painful ways, lie about us and say all sorts of evil things designed to hurt us. It seems that the Lord will allow all sorts of really nasty things to happen to those of us who are his genuine followers. Jesus didn’t tell us not to worry, he told us to celebrate this good plan. He told us that we can be very glad that the Lord has allowed what seems so evil and unfair in our lives so that when we get home, to our eternally safe and perfect home, we will be able to enjoy the rewards he will give us to enjoy forever. Not only that, but not one person or angel will complain that we were given more than we should have. It’s exciting to think that even though we will never be in the Bible stories, the Lord will allow us to be in the same category and share the same kind of rewards that were given to the saints of old. May the Lord help us to have God’s eternal filter in place when we find ourselves suffering like they did.
Matthew 5:10 God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. 11 “God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. 12 Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.
Roy Wisner
