From: Ben Kelley
Subject: But I want people to like me!

Most likely, everyone of you want others to like you. That's pretty normal. As believers in Jesus, though, we learn that, as we follow Him, like Him, we're going to have enemies. HE said, "they've hated Me, they'll hate you too." Knowing this, we still don't like it when people tell lies and speak evil of us.

If you're experiencing this treatment now, and people are plotting and trying to trap you in their snares by starting rumors and telling lies, I think you might want to hear a couple of statements Jesus made relating to this:

"How blessed are those who are persecuted because they pursue righteousness! for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. How blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you and tell all kinds of vicious lies about you because you follow Me! Rejoice, be glad, because your reward in Heaven is great- they persecuted the prophets before you in the same way." (Matthew 5:10-11)

Suffering because you are trying to do what's right? You may not feel like it, but God says you are greatly blessed now and have a great reward awaiting you in Heaven (and being there, it will last you eternally, unlike rewards here).

Maybe you are experiencing great acclaim and receiving praise and accolades from all you do. Hear what Jesus said about that:

"Woe to you when (all) people speak well of you, for that is just how their fathers treated the false prophets! (Luke 6:26)

I would rather hear Jesus say, "well done," than all the praises this world can muster. How about you? Hang in there, my beleagured brothers and sisters.

Ben