Don’t Quit the Compliment

The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering and disgrace for the Name.

Acts 5:41

 One of the best compliments one could ever receive is to be made fun of or ridiculed for being a Christian. That means one is living such a life that shows not only belief in God, but also the practice of that belief.

In the scripture from Acts 5, Peter and the apostles had been arrested for the message they continued to deliver about Jesus. When it was time for them to go before the Sanhedrin to be questioned, the apostles could not be found. They were back on the streets preaching and teaching!

Because of their actions, the apostles were flogged and ordered not to talk about Jesus any more. That could have been the end of the story.

Guess what happened after the apostles’ flogging? Acts says that “day after day” they continued to tell everyone they came in contact with about Jesus. They continued for the rest of their lives boldly sharing the good news with others no matter the consequences. They took their suffering as a compliment and kept right on going.

I have been made fun of before in a lighthearted way for my Christianity. I have had to answer questions about my faith, but I have never been arrested for it. I have never been beaten and told not to share my beliefs. I have never had to suffer the way the apostles did for spreading the good news.

Could I continue to share so openly if I had to endure what the disciples and apostles did? I would like to say yes. I would like to think that I would consider my suffering as a compliment and keep right on going just like they did.

How about you?

Father, thank you for allowing us to share your message with others. Thank you for going with us and giving us the courage to share YOU with the world.

Susan P.