Rejection

Rejection hurts. And unfortunately our Christianity increases the likelihood that we will encounter it more often. Part of the cost of “taking up our cross” and “following Jesus” is the harsh reality of “bearing the disgrace he bore” (Heb.13:13). As Jesus himself said: “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first” (Jn.15:18). It is a vain hope to expect the favor of Christ and the accolades of everyone else at the same time. “Woe to you when all men speak well of you,” Jesus warned (Lk.6:26). Amid the pain of rejection, our challenge is to learn to value and cherish the approval of Christ more than the acceptance of those around us. But that, of course, is easier said than done – especially when the rejection comes from those we love. In the lyrics of his inspired song, David is resolute as he sings: “Though my father and mother forsake me, Yahweh will receive me” (Ps.27:10). While we can expect the pain, we can also anticipate the incomparable treasure of being embraced by the King of kings and Lord of lords!

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Historic Truth

Some chide us for “checking our brains in at the door” when we come to a place of trusting in Christ for forgiveness and new life. But that is not how Christianity is presented to us in Scripture. The New Testament evangelists never asked anyone to stop thinking, stop inquiring or stop analyzing the claims of Christ and the Apostles. No one was asked to just “pray about it” and “accept this message regardless of the facts.” Paul didn’t wink and ask the Roman King Agrippa and the Judean Procurator Festus to accept the amazing claims of Christ’s message and resurrection “by faith” – that is, without investigation. Instead, he challenged them with a cogent and logical presentation of the claims and closed with these words: “What I am saying is true and reasonable. The king is familiar with these things, and I can speak freely to him. I am convinced that none of this has escaped his notice, because it was not done in a corner” (Ac.26:25-26). Because the claims of Christ are true, they hold up to scrutiny and careful examination. So don’t check your brains in at the door when it comes to biblical Christianity, you’ll need them to keep researching the themes of redemption, forgiveness and new life in Christ which are rooted in the historic facts of the biblical record.

Self-Examination

The Bible often reminds us to not forget. It tells us to hang on to what we’ve learned and to build on the gains that we’ve made in the Christian life. The goal is not to be nostalgic, but to be sure to “live up to what we have already attained” (Phil.3:16) “remembering what we’ve received and heard” so that we can “obey it” (Rev.3:3). This requires purposeful times of reflection and self-examination, disciplines that are often pushed to the bottom of our busy schedules. Take some time this week to think of your progress as a follower of Christ. Think of where you were and where you are now. Thank God for the growth and memorialize the gains. Credit God with the maturity you are seeing in your life and resolve that with Spirit’s help you will not forfeit any advancements.  Remember it is only a matter of time until we see him face to face. So for now, “continue in him, so that when he appears we may be confident and unashamed before him at his coming” (1Jn.2:28).

Money

Most of us at, one point or another, have said in frustration “I hate money!” While that may sound better than the alternative which is prohibited in Scripture (1Tim.6:10), it is obviously not how God would have us live. God knows we will have to function in a world run with money. He also knows we will encounter all the problems and temptations that come with it. But God would have us master this potentially unruly aspect of life and not be mastered by it. “Master it,” not by achieving some kind of “independently wealthy” status, but by working with God’s Spirit to keep all its related temptations and frustrations from taking hold of our hearts. Because, as many can testify, a bigger income doesn’t neutralize money’s problem – it usually magnifies it!  The biblical goal is contentment!  True contentment may be an illusive aspect of godliness, but, as Paul wrote, it holds the promise of real “gain” (1Tim.6:6). Contentment is antithetical to worry, anxiety, greed and covetousness. That alone should provide us with ample motivation. So today, let’s take stock of the gifts God has given. Let us, with God’s help, untangle our hearts from the discouragement and pain that comes from a heightened focus on our financial challenges. Let us live self-controlled and contented lives that trust in God and not the things he provides.

Injustice

Unfortunately, this side of heaven we will all experience a lot of injustice – much of it personal. In this fallen world we can count on being falsely accused, mistreated, misquoted and maligned. Fortunately, none of it escapes the watchful and loving attention of our God. While our hearts may cry out for immediate vindication, God’s plan often includes that we learn to wait for our heavenly Father to straighten things out. Sure, there are times when it is appropriate to plead our case, provide a clarification or attempt a personal defense. But often that’s not possible or not appropriate. Instead, God calls us to a virtuous and faith-filled response. Peter enlists the ultimate example for our instruction when he writes of Christ’s response to the injustice of his opposition: “When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly” (1Pt.2:23). It may be difficult, but it is Christlike. It may not provide immediate satisfaction but it is the attitude God will one day reward.