The Truth About Rejection
Have you even felt unwanted? Not good enough? Not smart enough? Uninvited? REJECTED???
Most likely every person reading this knows what it’s like to feel rejected. It is a horrible, lonely feeling that can leave us confused and heading in the wrong direction simply because we want to be liked and valued. Because it’s human nature to want to fit in, gravitating to the wrong crowd can sometimes make us feel better about ourselves. It is a self-focused decision based on me, me, me. We tend to want to be around people who think we are special and great. It feels safe and secure in the flesh when people like us and want us around but what does God have to say about that? How does He want you to feel loved and accepted? I’m glad you asked!
There are 3 things we need to find security and acceptance God’s way rather than the world’s way. I’m not saying you will never be rejected again, because you will be; Jesus said so. Once you get serious about your walk with Jesus, you will have a decision to make. Will you choose the world or will you choose Jesus? You can walk with Jesus and be equipped to handle rejection in a Godly manner. Let’s look at the 3 things necessary to feel loved and accepted.
1- The first thing is ABIDING in CHRIST.
Jesus offers all of us an invitation to join Him and accept Him as our one and only Savior. He desires to do life with us and empower us with His Spirit. We can ask Him to live on the inside of us so we can be one with Him. This is called abiding…or living in Him. He wants to give us everything we need for security and strength. He wants to bring new, healthy life into our hearts and emotions so that we come alive in Him, rather than the lifeless and meaningless ways of the world. Take some time now and read John 15.
The second thing is COMMUNITY.
We need to be plugged into a community of people who have also decided to abide in Christ and follow His way of doing things. When Jesus was on earth and He was choosing His community of friends, He simply asked them one by one to follow Him. Jesus began to teach them the ways of the Kingdom. He spent His life with them and showed them miracles, proving to them that there is a higher way of living. Doing life with other people who follow Jesus allows us to grow and overcome the sin that entangles us and keeps us miserable. We learn from others who have spent time with Jesus and know how to overcome the ways of the world. We laugh together, cry together, and become stronger and healthier day by day as we learn how to live life HIS way instead of our own.
The third thing is MISSION.
When we are abiding in Christ and are securely plugged into a community of believers, we can then focus on the mission to spread the gospel to others. A community of believers will strengthen us and help us find and use our gifts and talents to help rescue the lost. A strong community will also keep us accountable and strengthen us in the ways of the Lord rather than constantly being defeated by the ways of the world. Getting our eyes and thoughts off of me, me, me and onto others for the sake of “mission” brings a deep satisfaction and a sense of belonging. We are plugged in and doing what God wants us to do! Love God, love others and bring others into the kingdom....that is our goal.
So where are you in this list of 3 things? Are you needing to abide in Jesus and deepen that relationship with Him? Are you in need of finding a community of believers so you can be sharpened and strengthened? Or are you plugged into a community and are now ready to go into the world on a mission to let your light shine make a difference for Jesus?
