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.
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