OVERCOME THE FEAR OF REJECTION



    

   By Rev. Michael Benson Ajay
Mark 7:11 AMP “But [as for you] you say, A man is exempt if he tells [his] father or [his] mother, What you would otherwise have gained from me [everything I have that would have been of use to you] is Corban, that is, is a gift [already given as an offering to God],”
        Most of  the religious leaders of Jesus’ time often used flattery to exploit their followers. They disregarded the importance of the care for the elderly ,insisting that provisions meant for them be given as offerings to the temple thereby encouraging the neglect of the weak and elderly. The Pharisees profited from this act of the dishonor of one’s parents. In some churches members are told to give money meant for medical care of a sick parent as 'miracle seeds' for their healing. Claiming it is more profiting to give to a church building project than care for one's sick parents. This is contrary to God's commands in Ex 20:12 AMP“Regard (treat with honor, due obedience, and courtesy) your father and mother, that your days may be long in the land the Lord your God gives you.”. Those who honour their parents are rewarded with prosperity , well-being and longevity. God cares for the elderly , they should not be rejected..
          The message of grace is not a license to be hypocritical in worship. Jesus specifically rebuked the Pharisees in Mark 7:6 where He said “,….. Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me."The grace of God opens our eyes to areas of our lives that need change and if concealed it hampers the miraculous power of God from bringing about the desired breakthrough we wish for. Flattering in the church is counterproductive to the development of the Christian spirit. It is behind the confusion among many believers who are quick to say “I have done all that I was told to do yet no result” The scriptures say in Prov 28:13 TLB “A man who refuses to admit his mistakes can never be successful. But if he confesses and forsakes them, he gets another chance.” Flattery leads to bitterness and rejection.  
          Most believers struggle with the fear of rejection by spouse, friends, congregation etc ; a battle one must overcome in other to teach the truth of the gospel. Jesus Christ was rejected by over 65% of His followers for His uncompromising righteousness (John 6:66). It is only when preachers are not afraid to teach the truth of the gospel that societal reforms can truly take place. Most preachers for fear of losing members preach a corrupted version of the bible that appeals to the lower sinful nature, it promotes greed , intolerance , tribalism , dishonesty, impatience , hatred for relatives  , destroying families in the process. They love and promote flattery and neglect wholesome Christlike character .    
      Truth is the cure for all family and national crisis. God does not bless falsehood. 1Tim4:2-5 instructs us to correct, rebuke and encourage one another in love whenever necessary. Flattery does more harm than good and unfortunately a lot of persons see it as a quality of the spirit of grace. The opposite is the case. At one time Jesus overturned the money changers tables in the temple while accusing them of turning the house of God into a den of thieves. Monetary contributions (miracle seeds) are no substitute for genuine repentance: Psalm (50:7-15).
        The scriptures teaches that if we see our brother or sister in error and refuse to correct them, it shows that we do not truly love them (Lev.19:17,1 John5:16,1 John2:11). We should not take offense when corrected by a spouse or a family member. God corrects those He loves .A sound marriage is that where partners take no offense in being corrected. It is an indicator of healthy parental upbringing. Flattering one's children could result in their struggling with rejection and bitterness in their marriage . Children should be made to concentrate more on the benefits of being corrected than the pains involved in the process.  Prov 28:23TLB “In the end, people appreciate frankness more than flattery.” 
Prayer: Heavenly Father forgive me of my sins against you I believe Jesus Christ died and was raised again for my salvation I receive him as lord and saviour and receive the Holy Spirit and grace to overcome rejection in Jesus name.
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