“ Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
Matthew 5:11-12
The Blessing Is Worth It
Just today, it hit me. I am in little danger of the blessing this passage promises.
I’m pretty non-confrontational. Quiet about my strongly held convictions, in certain circles. The circles that could make me unwelcome. Insult me. Speak ill of me.
But lately I’ve taken notice of the glaring avoidance in my life.
I avoid uncomfortable, for me or anyone else.
I avoid taking the unpopular stance, unless I’m around other people who are also taking the same stance, so that we’re all standing in our little stance circle, nodding at one another as though we are setting the world on fire right where we stand.
I don’t believe Jesus was recommending that we go out of our way to pick a fight. If we are following Him close enough, the fight will pick us. The choice we have is to avoid the fight, or to wade in with our shield of faith raised and our sword at the ready, knowing it will likely cost us.
John the Baptist is a good example. He spoke his message of repentance without apology. Said harsh truth to the religious leaders. Called out a king’s sin.
For that, he lost his life. But John inherited the blessing of “great is your reward in heaven” and I’m willing to bet he wouldn’t trade it for all the comfortable places on the planet.
I want to speak truth so that I will live truth.
There is a blessing for those willing to live a life of faith that draws insults and persecution.
It is worth every risk.
Karla Jo Wasion 