They'll Make You Out to be the Devil

“You are demon-possessed,” the crowd answered.

John 7:20

How quickly man's opinion of you can change! In verse fifteen of John 7, the crowd is amazed at Jesus' biblical knowledge and wisdom. Only four verses later, they think He's possessed.

In Matthew 10:24-25 Jesus tells us to expect the same kind of treatment.

The student is not above the teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for students to be like their teachers, and servants like their masters. If the head of the house has been called Beelzebul, how much more the members of his household!

So, don't be surprised if unbelievers accuse you of doing the Devil's work. The world loves attributing the things of God to the Devil. If you live like Jesus did, men will make you out to be the worst devil that ever lived. When you shine the light of Jesus into their life, it seems painfully bright to them. And when you speak the truth from the double-edged sword of God's Word to them, you cut them deeply. They cannot conceive of something that seems so painful to them being a good thing. So, they slander and accuse and malign what they do not understand. They have forgotten that some things must cause pain and discomfort before they bring healing. 

So, ignore all the hatred they spew at you and continue living for Jesus no matter what. But keep watch over yourself. Don't be arrogant or harsh. Guard your heart and your speech to make sure you are speaking the truth in love. Guard your steps to make sure you are walking in the light, living a holy life that is seasoned with grace. 

But after having taken every precaution to ensure you imitate Christ, don't be surprised if you find that you are praised one minute and cursed the next. Don't let it bother you. They treated Jesus the same way.

To that end, here's a portion of an Old Puritan prayer that I am making my own today.

Father,

Raise me above the smiles and frowns of the world,

   regarding it as a light thing to be judged by men;

May your approbation be my only aim,

   your Word my only rule.

(The Valley of Vision. p.58 in "Living for Jesus")