“We read these words (Matthew 5:11-12) and yet too often still experience surprise when our best efforts at Christian living result in something other than Christian applauding.”- Sara Hagerty
“Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for my sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven . . . “- Matthew 5:11-12 (NKJV)
As Sara Hagerty continues Chapter 9 of Unseen, she underscores our need to reframe our view of, and response to, mistreatment. Consequently, mistreatment takes on new significance when we see it as a form of hiding in God.
However, we’re often surprised when people fail to see and celebrate our ministry efforts. Thus, Ms. Hagerty explains the need for a proper perspective:
“We want our work to be known and our impact to be memorialized. And it will be, but by God alone. No human can give us the accolades that will satisfy the deepest longings of our hearts. We search vainly from others for the acclaim that only God can give.”
Therefore, Sara ponders what Mary thought others might say when she undid her hair and wasted her inheritance at Jesus’ feet. Perhaps Mary:
- needed to overcome her days of fear
- so focused on adoring Jesus she never considered what other voices might say
- found thoughts of doubt her biggest enemy
- experienced an impulsive rush of devotion totally over shadowing the thought of onlooker’s opinions
The harsh comments of the onlookers emerged from the weakest parts of themselves. And their words lodged in the weakest parts of Mary. But, Mary nurtured the habit of valuing Jesus’ voice most. She’d come for Him alone.
Today’s question: How have you sought Christian applauding in response to your best efforts at Christian living? Please share.
tomorrow’s blog: “The white space of the day”
