Interestingly enough, rejection is a biblical theme that does not limit itself to the “bad” guys. Even Jesus experienced rejection in many forms: Hometown ministry, Pharisees and other leaders, Judas Iscariot, and what about Peter?

I will step out on a limb and make the statement that if we are not being rejected, perhaps we are not boldly living out our faith?

Let’s face it, no one enjoys rejection. Most of all me. The person who refused to cold call while at Merrill Lynch because of the aversion to imposing myself on other people’s time. But if we are true to the Gospel of Jesus, then we are taking stands, sometimes very unpopular with the rest of society. Being unpopular is cause for great anxiety in some circles, but most of all, it is the seed of rejection.

What I am NOT saying is to be seeking conflict just to be difficult. No way should we be seeking conflict as a course of ministry or action. BUT, conflict will find us.

NAS Matthew 10:34 “Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35 “For I came to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law;”

Jesus tells us that His message will not be popular. It will cause people to choose sides. One cannot stay on the fence!

Perhaps this is best to be used as a barometer? Conflict finding us? Good chance that we are taking a stand for something and someone is having to choose.