Being Rejected for Christ

You know that as Christians we can't go more than a few days before we hear a psychologist or people on a talk show discussing the importance of loving ourselves or having high self esteem. One of the things that floats around society and makes it very difficult to hold a high self esteem is the act of being rejected.

I 'll be honest with you guys. I know what what it means to be rejected. But I know that I am being rejected for the words of Christ in my heart. Not for my human disposition. So how do we deal with perceiving ourselves positively when we are facing rejection?

Well first let's acknowledge that as believers we are in a war. We can't see it but it is still very much a war.

Ephesians 6: 10-12

10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

So now we know something very important. When we are being rejected for what we believe in- the negativity towards us is nothing personal. Guys there's no better way to ruin someone's Christian testimony than to ruin their image before their peers. And Satan knows this well. He will turn family members against each other, people in church leadership, husbands, wives, children. He doesn't care. Anything to stifle the Word of God that has become so vocal and life directing in our lives. So how can we as believers prevent being wounded in this spiritual battle? Well, let's keep reading...

13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

These verses talk about some key pieces of armor that need to be in our lives.

Let's apply spiritual wisdom to each piece as it could relate to rejection in a Christian person's life.


The Belt of Truth

The truth as mentioned earlier - it's nothing personal. You have an enemy who is trying to take you out of the game. Don't move keep serving Christ.

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.


Breastplate of Righteousness

Get this- it's important. DO NOT SEARCH. A trial is never a license to sin before a Holy and awesome God. You will go through a refining fire that will burn away some of your pride. The end result is an acknowledgment "it is wiser to live through Christ than to selfishly live through ourselves".


Shoes (or Cleats) of the Gospel of Peace.

Make no mistake about it. There is no peace in God when we turn our backs on him. That's a peace we can only experience when we choose to trust him for everything. And trust God no matter how tough things get- He has a purpose that will work for the good.

28And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 29For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.


Shield of Faith

The Bible calls us to walk by faith not by sight. It also says the just shall live by faith. Look back on the last 5 years of your life and ask yourself this question? Were the tough times I went through impossible? Or did God give me the faith to keep going? And in the end I love him more with my life.

Matthew 17:19-20 "Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, 'Why could we not cast it out?' He said to them, 'Because of your little faith. For truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you."


Helmet of Salvation

When all passes away we will only have one thing. Salvation in our
Lord Jesus Christ. And we will walk those streets of gold knowing our eternity in Heaven we will be forever and ever. Amen

Phillipians 1:5-6
5because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.


Sword of the Spirit

God's word is vital in a spiritual battle. It's the words of truth amongst a den of lies. It's a also a very effective weapon.

Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

Grab your Bible before your heart starts to buy into the Devil's "perfect" but very corrupt solution to dealing with the "cold shoulder".
Ask God to speak words of wisdom through scripture.


The passage ends by acknowledging the importance of prayer

Will you make a promise to God? When you feel people getting cold around you, will you pray for them? They don't know they are hurting you. It's deception from the Devil. Christ is your Rock. Stand on His foundation and Biblical principals. It's the best place you can possibly be. Don't move.


1 Peter 5: 6-11
6Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

8Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

10And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 11To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.


God Bless