Not all suffering is caused by disobedience. Job was an example of this and all of God’s prophets. Job’s friends made the mistake of assuming that he suffered because of his many unconfessed sins (Job 22:1-11) and God made sure to let them know that that was not the case (Job 42:8).
“For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him…”
Philippians 1:29
Everyone who believes in Jesus will suffer in this manner. Years, months, and days have I amassed colorful ‘titles’ to my name. My most recent ones are being a faultfinder, an accuser, satanic [expletive] among other things. The worst was being someone who needed an exorcist. I don’t have animosity towards these people, but if someone called you these things, you’d remember it. I am human and I feel the sting, but Jesus warned His followers in advance that this would happen (John 15:20). This occurrence is prophecy being fulfilled and also solidifies that the Word of God is never out of date.
“Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.“
Galatians 1:10
While we have breath, we could change our course. It is what we believe in that determines where we spend eternity. When we are truly doers of The Word, we cannot continue living double lives. Posts introspective in nature come out from me because that is what’s in my heart. If I cared about people’s opinion too much, I would have stopped my directness a long time ago. I do not go around intently looking for people to correct. That is a crazy idea especially since most of the time, it will not be well received. I address something when I am led to or when it is brought to my attention. As I’ve noted about myself, I have experienced the stigma of being the reprobate. Even hypocrites don’t like hypocrites so becoming one is definitely not in my agenda especially since I know the Lord feels strongly against hypocrisy (Matthew 23:27-28). It would also bother my conscience too much to pretend to be something I am not.
Suffering for God’s Glory
“Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; 13 but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. 14 If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters. 16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter. 17 For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 Now
“If the righteous one is scarcely saved,
Where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?”
19 Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.”
1 Peter 4:12-19
So pile on the names. It may sting a little, but The Word of God says I’m blessed for it. I will not apologize for calling out sin for what it is. Any person who is not bothered by constantly lying is NOT in the truth. This is not my opinion.
“Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.”
Revelation 22:15
No amount of Christianese will cover the truth, maybe in the eyes of men, but especially not to the Holy Spirit. Do/Will I forgive those who lie to me? Yes. If I don’t, then I would become a hypocrite and I am not planning to be one anytime soon.
If your downfall is having to constantly lie, REPENT!
