Yes, most people’s desire to be liked by other people overrides their usefulness for the Lord. Obeying the Lord often causes people offense (it is Him acting through us!). You’ll recall even Paul, a mature Christian, called someone the Lord used to teach him that God’s power is perfected in our weakness “a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan” in 2 Cor. 12:7-10. This is why Jesus emphasized “Blessed are you when people hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their ancestors treated the prophets…. Woe to you when everyone speaks well of you, for that is how their ancestors treated the false prophets.” (Luke 6:22-24, 25).
It is so important that maturing Christians realize we have an old self that can NOT be improved (otherwise our loving Creator would not have crucified us with Christ!), and a new true self one with God in Christ, born again, completely righteous and perfect. The former must decrease, and Christ in us must increase!
(I believe the other sentences are true also! 😊)
“One of the first reactions to a convicting truth is to attack the messenger”
Great advice on the human psyche/psychology, and always worth bearing in mind in our daily interactions with others. Amazing how there’s always a verse for that.
Hi friend. Yes…it spoke to me first. Both in terms of interactions with non believers as well as my own when confronted with some sin. Just ask my poor wife.
I think when we evangelize and correct others sometimes we must warn them to not attack the messenger and consider whether it’s biblical and true. I think it has spared me some “fights” and “problems” pointing that out. But of course, the messenger ultimately has no control over the people’s response…
Yes, warn them sometimes to no avail. Of course if we have to correct another, we sure have to have right mindset so it’s really not us attacking them, don’t we?
July 6, 2016 at 12:34
And it’s getting much more common, imo, but we continue to proclaim His gospel for His glory 🙂 Amen
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July 6, 2016 at 12:35
I agree Linda, it seems to be. As you said, we must keep on. Thanks for coming by!
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July 6, 2016 at 13:14
Reblogged this on Seeking His Kingdom.
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July 6, 2016 at 14:27
Thanks Andi for sharing this!
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July 6, 2016 at 14:28
Anytime Wally! 🙂
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July 6, 2016 at 14:18
Yes, most people’s desire to be liked by other people overrides their usefulness for the Lord. Obeying the Lord often causes people offense (it is Him acting through us!). You’ll recall even Paul, a mature Christian, called someone the Lord used to teach him that God’s power is perfected in our weakness “a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan” in 2 Cor. 12:7-10. This is why Jesus emphasized “Blessed are you when people hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their ancestors treated the prophets…. Woe to you when everyone speaks well of you, for that is how their ancestors treated the false prophets.” (Luke 6:22-24, 25).
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July 6, 2016 at 14:32
You know, Deanna, how true your first sentence is. It takes the strength of the Holy Spirit to speak even when the listener will get angry.
On a more personal level, I have certainly turned my own anger on others when they have said things to me that are convicting.
Thanks so much for visiting and commenting!
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July 6, 2016 at 14:37
It is so important that maturing Christians realize we have an old self that can NOT be improved (otherwise our loving Creator would not have crucified us with Christ!), and a new true self one with God in Christ, born again, completely righteous and perfect. The former must decrease, and Christ in us must increase!
(I believe the other sentences are true also! 😊)
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July 6, 2016 at 15:14
Oh yeah…the were all quite true! I just really liked that first one!
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July 6, 2016 at 15:15
in John 16 He goes on to tell them – folks will think their doing God a favor when they kill you. Now that’s prosperity!
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July 6, 2016 at 15:33
That’s a hard though to think about, Ben…rather sobering to tell the truth. Wow
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July 6, 2016 at 16:03
sounds like ISIS though – doesn’t it? – oh – and the Saul, pre-Damascus Road
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July 6, 2016 at 16:18
Yeah..still a hard thought to think, and now harder.
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July 6, 2016 at 17:49
“One of the first reactions to a convicting truth is to attack the messenger”
Great advice on the human psyche/psychology, and always worth bearing in mind in our daily interactions with others. Amazing how there’s always a verse for that.
This post really spoke to me.
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July 6, 2016 at 18:54
Hi friend. Yes…it spoke to me first. Both in terms of interactions with non believers as well as my own when confronted with some sin. Just ask my poor wife.
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July 6, 2016 at 19:52
ahahha… don’t worry… I won’t ask.
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July 6, 2016 at 20:18
Oh..no biggie. I was being a jerk and she legitimately called me on it, which made me be a bigger jerk. Pretty simple really.
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July 6, 2016 at 20:28
hahaha…LOL… (understand)
but the fact you can speak of it shows humility in learning from conviction.
The practical ways in which we grow. It’s truly humbling yet awesome!
Stay Blessed.
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July 6, 2016 at 18:23
I think when we evangelize and correct others sometimes we must warn them to not attack the messenger and consider whether it’s biblical and true. I think it has spared me some “fights” and “problems” pointing that out. But of course, the messenger ultimately has no control over the people’s response…
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July 6, 2016 at 18:55
Yes, warn them sometimes to no avail. Of course if we have to correct another, we sure have to have right mindset so it’s really not us attacking them, don’t we?
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July 6, 2016 at 18:58
Exactly
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July 7, 2016 at 16:07
But I will continue to speak truth into people’s lives as the Lord instructs me!
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July 7, 2016 at 18:22
Me too, me too. But, it’s not always easy, is it?
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July 7, 2016 at 18:27
Most of the time not its not or well received, but might be the only truth someone hears!
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July 7, 2016 at 18:39
So true! Glad to see you around again, by the way. Been a bit since you’ve been around. I’ve bee cruising by your place. Do you post weekly?
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July 7, 2016 at 18:46
It has been a while! Been soaking in the word and traveling for work. Things are slowing down and I am back 🙂
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July 7, 2016 at 16:08
Amen! The old is dead and gone. The new is not improved but brand spanking new, thank you Jesus!
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July 7, 2016 at 18:19
Not new and improved, but brand spanking new…loved that, thanks!
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