The Approval that Matters

Well now, butter my biscuits, friend, you just wandered on up here on this ol’ front porch right when my heart was stirrin’ with somethin’ worth sharin’. Pull up a rocker and settle yourself a moment. I’ve been thinkin’ about how Jesus said in Mark 6:4, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own town.” That there truth hits harder than a stubborn ol’ mule refusin’ to budge. Sometimes the folks closest to us are the very ones who struggle the most to see what God is doin’ in our lives.

Paul sho’-nuff’ knew that sting. His fiercest opposition came from his own people, the ones he grew up with, worshiped with, and trusted. Instead of cheerin’ him on, they followed him around like a cranky ol’ Banty rooster chasin’ anything that moves. They wanted him plum silenced. Yet, Paul kept right on preachin’, he kept right on obeyin’, he kept right on trustin’ the Lord to handle all of the backlash.

Jesus plum warned us that this kind of opposition would happen in this ol’ world. Matthew 10:36 says, “A person’s enemies will be the members of their own household.” That there’s not very easy to swallow. Strangers can criticize, and we shake it off. But when resistance comes from family, friends, or folks in our own church, it cuts mighty deep, the way a sharp briar scratches a tender hand.

Psalm 118:6 says, “The Lord is with me. I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” Friend, that there means God’s approval downright outweighs every disapproval. Paul didn’t let opposition dictate his obedience. He went right on ahead and lived to please God, not the crowd that clapped or complained.

Maybe your family plum thinks you’ve gotten way too religious. Maybe your coworkers downright resent your integrity. Maybe old friends don’t even try to understand your faith. Take heart. You’re in real good company. Keep right on walkin’. Keep right on obeyin’. God sees you. God knows all about it. God sho’-nuff’ honors faithfulness.

Father, thank You for strength when opposition rises. Thank You for remindin’ us that Your approval is the only one that matters. Help us stay faithful, steady, and courageous. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

By thunder, friend, you’ve gotta stand up straight, go on ahead, and carry this here truth with you like a bright lantern glowin’ real steady in a dark barn. You’ve gotta be lettin’ courage rise up in you the way tall pine trees rise up and reach toward the sky. Keep right on followin’ God’s call, keep right on trustin’ His voice, and remember that even when those familiar faces misunderstand you, the Lord Himself stands right there beside you every step of the way.

With joy,

Gwen