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.