We are called to preach the gospel, sometimes at the expense of our reputation, sometimes the result will cost us dear friendships or even family. The question we must ask ourselves is, "Do we value our standing before God, or our palatableness before men?" We are told to share the truth in love, however Jesus warns us in John 15:18-19 that the world will hate us. If it were possible to share the truth in love and never offend anyone there would be no need for His instructions in Mark 6:11 to "shake the dust off the souls of your feet if they don't receive or listen to you."
People will hate you when you bring the gospel of the Kingdom because they hate Jesus. We must decide who we want to please. Let me encourage you in Paul's words found in 1 Thessalonians 2:2,4 to "have boldness in our God to speak the gospel of God amid much opposition. Just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who examines our hearts."
Inevitably there will be some pain, but keep your hand to the plow, look straight ahead and prove yourself fit for the Kingdom. Luke 9:62
So, "As you go, preach, saying the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. Freely you received, freely give." Matthew 10:7-8
Temptation
15 years ago
