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Acts 27-28: We’ll Never Get Everyone to Like Us

Feb 8, 2010
Acts, Christian Living, Glorifying God, persecution

hate by brandawgToday’s reading is Acts 27:1-28:31.

When Paul met with the Jews in Rome, they said, “We desire to hear from you what your views are, for with regard to this sect we know that everywhere it is spoken against” (Acts 28:22). 

I have a tendency to think if someone speaks against what I’m doing, that I must be doing something wrong. I start trying to look around and figure out how to conduct myself so that no one can possibly say anything against me. But Paul’s story reminds me that is impossible. If I’m following God’s way, someone won’t like me. That is amazing to me because when I’m following God’s way I’m humble, serving, merciful, helpful, loving, etc. However, I have to come to grips with the fact that not everyone is going to like Jesus’ way for one reason or another.

I’m amazed at how many websites are set up to blast away at Christians and churches. I’m equally amazed that the authors of those sites actually seem to believe they are making a difference in the world. My first thought is to jump in and try to defend or explain so folks will understand and still like me and my fellow Christians. However, I’ve learned that is practically pointless. Those who are open to Jesus Christ are not influenced heavily by the attacks. Those who are not open to Jesus Christ are not influenced by my defenses. The fact is, no matter what I do, someone won’t like me. No matter what we do, someone won’t like us. 

We’ll never get everyone to like us, we might as well just try to get closer to God anyway.

Keep the faith and keep reading,

ELC

P.S. What struck you in today’s reading?

3 Comments
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  • Michelle

    Excellent points! When I read articles in magazines or on the internet that blast away at Christians I always try to remember God's words to Samuel. "They are not rejecting you, they are rejecting me."

  • Todd

    Yes, good reminder for me too. I have been a little down because of friends who left the faith and then brag about their newfound joy in a big community church with all sorts of community involvement (Haiti benevolence to non-saints), uplifting faith-only messages, mid-week focus groups and other things that are either unauthorized or impossible for the small-yet-sound church of the Lord to "compete with." It makes me feel at times like maybe we are doing something wrong, but I'm reminded that the Way has always been ridiculed.

  • Edwin Crozier

    Great point, Michelle.

    Todd, what really frustrates me is that folks leave claiming they are becoming more tolerant, but they can't be tolerant of your congregation's position at all. They can't be satisfied that some folks are trying to do what the Bible says but have come to a different conclusion from them. They have to leave ridiculing and attacking. What is ironic is they are doing the very thing they claim you do and never see it in themselves, which ties in to the Romans 1-2 reading.



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