Today's reading

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. –Ephesians 6:12 NIV

October 1, 2019

Unpopular

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. –Ephesians 6:12 NIV

At times, being unpopular can be a good thing, especially when you are not following the crowd because you know their objectives are misguided. There are also times when the Holy Spirit convicts you to take a stand by speaking the truth in love. Yet, you are not a witness for Christ when you are consumed by being righteous and full of pride. This does not serve as an example of Christ-like behavior. Never act like the Pharisees who were righteous frauds. They were hypocrites whose hearts were far away from God. Jesus was kind and gentle and came to heal the broken. However, don’t be concerned about being politically correct and possibly dishonoring God in the process. When you take a strong stance for the truth according to God’s Word, God will bless you. You don’t need to be argumentative just to prove your point. There are times when you have to speak up and times you know to hold back. God does not want you to be in a constant conflict with others. As Proverbs 15:1 (NIV) tells you, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a hash word stirs up anger.” Just stand on the Rock, who is your faithful God and your firm foundation; and if need be—be unpopular.

prayer focuses

Lord, thank You for loving me deeply.

Please help me remember this love, and please care for me even when I must stand up for what is unpopular in the world’s eyes. Please give me strength to stand firm in my faith.

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about the

Author

Rosemary Valentino

Rosemary has been a Christian for forty years and loves the Lord. She is blessed with a loving husband, two children and five grandchildren. She is humbled to be able to write devotions and share God's word. She gives Him all the glory.