lenten journey, day 22 — a prayer for the ridiculed

The world conditions us from a very young age to change our behavior in the face of ridicule, insult, and bullying. When our daughter’s mismatched outfit draws laughter instead of compliments, she doesn’t wear it again. When our son’s awkward athletic abilities are mocked, he stays inside while his pals play football. As adults, we’re not much different. We conform, we bite our tongues, we look the other way…all in an attempt to fit in. Yes, the world wants so desperately to make us its own.

But, as Jesus so succinctly put it, his Kingdom “is not of this world” (John 18:36). And as followers of Christ, we are called to citizenship in that beautiful, upside-down Kingdom. A Kingdom where good is brought out of evil (Genesis 50:15, Romans 8:28). Where the last will be first, and the first will be last (Matthew 19:29-30). Where persecution for Jesus’ sake is a blessing, not a curse (Matthew 5:10).

Simply put, we’re called to be profoundly, noticeably, and unwaveringly different—at work, at home, in traffic, at Applebees, on the sidelines at the game, everywhere. And we should not be surprised when our otherworldliness leads to ridicule. The Apostle Paul, who suffered intensely for the gospel, was very matter-of-fact about the treatment believers should expect: “…everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12).

When we first believed, God in his mercy gave us a glimpse of what a new life in Christ could look like. And we were changed. And through the years, as we suffer ridicule for our tendency to be total misfits in this world, a deep spiritual truth is revealed: a life built on Jesus might be risky, but a “safe” life built on any other foundation is no life at all.

Lord, help me to remember my true citizenship when the world tries to silence the good news I am called to share. Help me to remember that even in the midst of ridicule, you have promised a blessing to those who suffer for the sake of your righteousness. I confess that there are times, even after all these years of walking with you, that my allegience is more to the world than to you. Lord, forgive my fickle heart and lead me back to the narrow path I'm called to walk. Jesus, I belong solely to you. May I never stop pointing the way to the sometimes-risky, always-abundant life You came to offer. Yes, and amen.

”Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” — Matthew 5:10

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." — James 1:2-4