March 11th

Notice that yesterday’s verses in Matthew were all referring to our response to how others treat us. It is not that we need to flaunt our good deeds or pray in the middle of the street or at the water cooler at work or give big gifts to the needy in a way that gets us attention. In the next chapter of Matthew Jesus tells us to be careful not to do those things in a showy way. The way that we are to get attention is by being different in how we treat others and how we respond to the way others treat us. This is hard but it is also what gets their attention. Not responding to others’ insults removes the ammunition that the enemy has to use it against us. Not only do we place the situation in the hands of Jesus when we follow His directives, but we also remove it from the hands of the enemy. Then in the next chapter of Matthew He jumps right back in to teaching us how to keep our treatment of others in perspective.

Matthew 7:1-5 “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”

Why is this so important? Because it affects our witness. Doing these things the way Jesus tells us to, does not guarantee that we will win anyone to Christ. BUT…NOT doing things the way Jesus said to, guarantees we will NOT win anyone to Christ! Our rudeness, pride, dismissiveness, demanding attitudes, behaviors and words, ruin our witness. Even when we feel like it is justified.

Let that sink in a minute.

If you are really struggling with this, maybe this will help: A long time ago, I was faced with a situation of disrespect toward me. Others saw the disrespect and I was tempted to save face and demand respect from the person instigating the situation. However, the Lord gave me some peace in the middle of that situation that allowed me to keep my mouth shut when He reminded me of something. I was able to just take it in stride because Jesus reminded me that one day I will return dressed in white with the King of kings and that disrespect will be obliterated.

In the end, everyone that ever mistreated or disrespected you will either be forgiven and be there in the ranks with you when Jesus returns for the final victory, or they will be watching and WISH they were there with you! Either way there will be no more disrespect or mistreatment.

Revelation 19:11-16 I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and wages war. His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. Coming out of his mouth is a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. “He will rule them with an iron scepter.” He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.

It may also help you to remember that they are slaves to the big deceiver, and he is the real enemy trying to manipulate you into ruining your witness so that you are neutralized in that setting.

Jesus, thank you first of all that I will be able to be with you. Help me to remember that in the long run that is what matters so that I can keep what happens to me today in perspective. Help me to see those who mistreat or disrespect me through your eyes and help me to pray for them. Help me to set aside my need to defend myself and let you be my defender. Thank you for loving me the way you do Jesus.