DEPLORABLES

Just A Thought To Think About – DEPLORABLES.

When a person refers to another person or group of individuals with whom there is personal disagreement, what do they mean when referencing them as deplorable? The definition is not flattering. It means: “One who is a subject for grief, regret, or who is lamentable; one who is a subject for censure, reproach or disapproval; one who is deemed to be wretched, very bad.” Most of you will remember that was a political reference regarding those who were not voting for a candidate in the 2016 Presidential election.

Shifting gears to a spiritual application, we find that those who were identified as the servants of Jesus Christ, the Apostles and their followers, Paul described what it meant (and means) as one commits to follow and serve Jesus Christ. Note the words he uses to describe how they are viewed and treated -  First Corinthians 4:9-13, “I think that God has exhibited us apostles as last (least) of all, like men sentenced to death, because we have become a SPECTACLE to the world, to angels, and to men.  We are FOOLS for Christ’s sake, but you are wise in Christ. We are WEAK, but you are strong. You are held in honor, but we in DISREPUTE.  To the present hour we HUNGER AND THIRST, we are POORLY DRESSED and BUFFETED and HOMELESS,  and we labor, working with our own hands. When REVILED, we bless; when PERSECUTED, we endure;  when SLANDERED, we entreat. We have become, and are still, like THE SCUM of the world, THE REFUSE of all things.” Within the secular and spiritual culture, Paul was indicating they were viewed as being DEPLORABLE.

Rejection is never pleasant. Being unwanted is difficult to endure. Being scoffed at or criticized is painful – UNTIL – one remembers that he/she belongs to Jesus Christ who endured much more than Paul described or you and I may experience. It serves one well to remember Hebrews 11:35-39 and the description of what was endured by people of Faith. The summary (epitaph) attached to their lives was/is: “of whom the world was not worthy.” Regardless of the opinions or actions of people against you, you are still safe and secure in the hand(s) of Jesus Christ (John 10:27-30). 

Prayerfully – Consider these things with me.

ACCUSATIONS

Just A Thought To Think About – ACCUSATIONS.

Very few would deny that politically, the United States has become a culture of accusation. Truth, facts or evidence no longer matter. It has become, as the hackneyed adage suggests, keep throwing Jell-O at the wall and see if anything sticks.  Accusation (an allegation that a person is guilty of some fault, offence, or crime; imputation. A formal charge brought against a person stating the crime that he is alleged to have committed), with the goal being to silence a person or movement by incarceration or death.

This occurred in the life of Jesus Christ. The Sanhedrin portrayed itself as a court in Jerusalem and maintaining strict guidelines on how they would function. Accusations superseded anything else. Their target – Jesus Christ. Their charges and accusations – His violation of the Sabbath Law by healing on the Sabbath Day; His apparent threat to destroy the Jewish Temple; His exorcising people who were under the power of demons; His claim to being Messiah and the Son of God.

When Luke wrote The Book of Acts, it contains historical data on the opposition to the Gospel and the Apostles. False accusations would be brought against them. The punishment was flogging; or imprisonment; or an order to no longer mention the name – Jesus Christ. Peter was an early spokesman and central figure in those early chapters. He and others felt the full force of accusations and imprisonment. As they continued in doing ministry, they did so under threats by their opposition.

How did Peter respond and react? How did he instruct others to live and minister?  First Peter 3:13-16 (NLT), “Who will want to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t worry or be afraid of their threats…But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ. In the AMP NT – Verse 16, “See to it that your conscience is entirely clear, so that every time you are slandered or falsely accused, those who attack or disparage your good behavior in Christ will be shamed [by their own words].

Anyone can be harshly accused, with or without evidence. If one is “liked”, the accusations are more hushed; if one is “not liked”, the accusations (criticisms) are generally more frontal.

How should one react or respond? First Peter 3:15 (NKJV) instructs: “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed.”

Accusations and not being liked are painful times in one’s life. Even when there is no credibility to the false accusation, some people will gossip as though the accusations or criticisms are true and one’s reputation and effectiveness is diminished. How is one to deal with false accusations and criticisms? Based upon false accusations, Jesus Christ suffered and died for us so that we might have abundant life in Him. How does Jesus Christ desire His followers to respond to opposition and false accusations?  Jesus stated, Matthew 5:11-13, “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

Prayerfully – Consider These Things With Me.

MY - YOUR DWELLING PLACE

Just A Thought To Think About – YOUR - MY DWELLING PLACE.

Despite the reality of a growing Homeless Population in our nation, most people have a physical dwelling place called home where they find a place of safety and refuge. It may not be everything one aspires to but it is still a place called home – a place of security and where memories are formed. Some have grown up in a place known as a ghetto, but even there was a sense of community and care.

It is far more important to consider the spiritual dwelling place and how one maintains that special community and relationship. In Psalm 84:1-4, the Psalmist composed: “How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of hosts! My soul longs, yes, faints for the courts of the Lord; my heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God…Blessed are those who dwell in your house, ever singing Your praise!”

For those whose hope is in God and living as though they are already living in His dwelling Place, on what should one’s mind be fixed, focused upon and dwell? Paul gives us a glimpse of what one is to be and do in Philippians 4:8 (MSG), “Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating (dwelling) on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned…heard…seen and realized.”

If belonging to and anticipating living in God’s Dwelling Place and Presence for eternity is one’s choice and commitment, there should be a reflection of Him and that dwelling place in what we are and do. We should care far more for how we radiate our spiritual dwelling place and The One Who Dwells There than we do for our physical home(s).

Prayerfully – consider these things with me.