Matt 11:18-19
18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, He hath a devil.
19 The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children.
Matt 5:10-11
10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
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Once upon a time I was working in a religious organization. In that religious organization there was an older woman who was very controlling. She wasn't in a leadership role, she just was very busy.
This older woman wanted me to do things her way. We were both committed to helping a certain type of person who was in distress. Because I didn't help the people the way that she wanted me to help them...guess what? I became the enemy.
She couldn't attack me on anything scriptural or truthful so she began to make stuff up. This sister was connected to several other sisters at this particular religious organization. Over night, I was mislabeled as an administrative "flake". Over time, it became obvious who this sister had been talking to. People who I didn't even regularly work with began changing their smiles, hugs and conversation toward me. This all happened because I didn't allow myself to be controlled by this sister.
Why do I share this?
What is the moral to this story?
Your brand is important but sometimes there is nothing you can do about it but pray. As my mentor use to say, "Just make sure that they are lying on you! Make sure that it ain't true!!!"
Keep in mind, the world's most perfect person was lied on and called a drunk, a glutton and a blasphemer!!!
When you are doing the right thing, some people will just get jealous!
In fact, over the length of your life and ministry, you are probably doing something wrong if folks don't lie on you and make stuff up.
Here is a quick guide of how to deal with this kinda nonsense:
- Ask yourself this question:
"Lord, is any of this true?"
2. Thank the Lord for the trial whether it's true or not.
3. Unless someone directly asks you about it, don't address it. It's not worthy.
4. Pray for them.
5. If it's true or has an element of truth, thank the Lord again and correct the behavior.
6. If it's not true, thank the Lord for the opportunity to show the fruit of love, patience and longsuffering.
7. Remember in time, you can either prove or disprove the gossip. As Jesus said, "Wisdom is justified by all her children."
Posted at: 06:30