It All Starts As Children
For many the sting and hurt of rejection was first experienced during the early development years of childhood. A classic example that comes to mind is whenever a little boy or little girl becomes first infatuated with the opposite sex. The anxiety of rejection was often so strong that instead of the little boy approaching the little girl to whom he had developed a "crush" on he would often send one of his friends in his place to ask her "Hey do you like my friend over there?" Although this may seem like a little bit of a crude example it does validate the point that from an early age most people are terrified of not being accepted. Instead of dealing with the issue head on many have bypassed it by proverbially passing the "buck" to someone else to investigate whether or not "so and so" likes and accepts us. It has been statistically proven that 10% of all people will not like or accept you. Regardless of your personality, skill set, accolades and accomplishments the fact still remains that not everyone is going to accept you. I think that the real issue and concern shouldn't be for the 10% that we just simply can't seem to please, but our focus should be on the 90% that really enjoy being with us. The old adage that you can please some of the people all of the time, you can please all of the people some of the time, but you can't please all of the people all of the time still rings true.
What about
Christian Believers and rejection? Today there is such an emphasis in our society on tolerance, acceptance, and trying to make everyone feel welcomed that we have forgotten that as believers in Christ we are not supposed to conform to this world but we are to be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:1-3). I do not believe that we are to go about maliciously offending people or to be fault finders, however we are definitely not supposed to comprise our beliefs, integrity or faith in the Word of God so that others will "like" us. If there ever was a person that should have been liked and accepted by everyone it was Jesus Christ. Yet the Bible tells us that we was despised and rejected of men (Isaiah 53:1-12). It is no secret that there are dark days ahead on this planet. As these times approach us what it means to be a true believer and follower of the Lord Jesus Christ will become more and more clear. I want to encourage you to not compromise your beliefs in the Master just so that others will accept you. Why others may simply just tolerate you, Jesus wants to celebrate you. He wants us to celebrate the Truth and not tolerate a watered down, sugar coated, seeker sensitive gospel message.
Encountering Rejection
Those who want to truly live for Christ will experience rejection sooner or later. Perhaps this has already happened to you. What are we to do whenever people reject us because of our faith? The beatitudes of the Sermon of the Mount (Matthew 5:1-12) tell us that we are to rejoice! The first couple of times that I read that I thought it was absolutely crazy! You mean I am supposed to get happy because some folks don't like me, I asked myself. I don't believe that is the interpretation of what Jesus was saying at all. Nobody enjoys rejection not even Christ. We know from scripture that it broke Jesus' heart whenever he wasn't accepted as the Messiah during his first coming because he wept over the city of Jerusalem (Matthew 23:37-39). No I believe that we are to rejoice because if the world is rejecting us it is a sign that the Father in Heaven ACCEPTS US in Christ (Ephesians 1:1-7). The day is coming that we must choose to obey and honor God above fearing man (Acts 4:15-20). Doing the right thing is usually not popular among the masses.
This is an element of the gospel that is not often ministered on today. The truth is that rejection is a normal part of Christianity. Jesus wasn't accepted by everyone. So why in the name of all that is holy do we think that everyone is supposed to accept us? We are to speak the truth in love but that doesn't mean we are to compromise our standards or integrity. That also doesn't give ministers the green light to teach and preach that everything is always going to peaches and cream whenever we become followers of the Lord. Whenever you take a stand for the truth sooner or later you are probably going to experience rejection from someone. This shouldn't surprise us yet for many it is a culture shock. We are in the world but not of it. I think that Joshua said it best when he said "choose you this day who you will serve but as for me and my house we will serve the Lord." (Joshua 24:15)
Understanding Rejection
So why does rejection occur? I think there are many reasons we could cite but I only want to cover a few of them for now. The first reason that rejection occurs is simple. People by nature do not like being told what to do. They do not like being told when they are wrong and they especially do not like being told that they need to change(repent). The heart of the gospel message of the kingdom is repent and follow Jesus. That means no longer living just for ourselves. I have discovered that the most unhappy people on this planet are the selfish ones. Serving God and others is the real secret to happiness. People will reject us whenever they do not agree with us or our values. There is something very important to remember and it is the fact that whenever people reject the gospel it is not us that they are personally rejecting, but it is the One we are representing that they are refusing. People reject want they do not want to accept. Jesus told his followers that if the people receive him then they will receive the ones that he sends to them. Coincidentally he has also said that those who reject him will also reject those who are sent by him.
I believe that rejection is a tool of the enemy to attack the heart and identity of believers. There is the temptation to fell self pity whenever we experience rejection, especially if it comes at the hands of someone we really love and admire. The fact is that hurting people hurt people. There are those who have experienced rejection because of the gospel but yet there are those who have experienced rejection on a personal level. It may have come from an impossible to please parent, an unthankful spouse, or even a hard hearted coworker. Rejection is designed by the devil to destroy our self esteem and personal value. People who have no self worth or value will live wreckless lives which will be endangering to themselves and to the ones they love. This is a vicious cycle that must be stopped! Thank God there is hope and there is an answer for defeating rejection.
Overcoming Rejection
The best way to overcome rejection is to reestablish our connection to God. Romans 8 tells us that there is nothing that can separate us for the love of God in Christ. That steadfast stability and structure is supernatural. Whenever I recall all of the times that God has come through for me and how he has always been so faithful to me it always drives out the insecurities, fears, and apprehensions that I have felt whenever others have rejected me personally or have rejected the gospel message that I shared with them. Experiencing the fullness of God can only occur as we become rooted and grounded in his love and acceptance of us. This becomes a reality in our lives as we mediate the scriptures and as we practically experience God's goodness in our everyday lives. No matter what the world says about you, as far as God is concerned you are the apple of his eye! This truth will propel us into freedom and liberty from rejection.
It goes without saying that we are to forgive those who have hurt us. That includes those who have rejected, abandoned, or neglected us. Forgiveness is like sending a nuclear warhead right at the devil's doorstep. Rejection may have affected you but it doesn't have to infect you. I pray that may this be a season of supernatural restoration for those who have experienced rejection. I am also believing God for continued boldness, courage, and perseverance for all those who are laboring in the harvest fields with the gospel. May the Great Shepherd keep, guide, and establish you as you serve him.
In Christ,
Apostle James Willis
© 2013 James Willis Ministries.
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