The Commission

Many years ago there were whispers that “she’s not country enough.” Funny how we always think the grapevine won’t run isn’t it?

It’s always saddened me that the battle we often fight is not between believer and unbeliever but often among the family of God.

We seem to love to tear one another down, lessen someone’s shine, or form cliques to keep others out.

But it does show a heart posture and a heart problem. One that God eventually has to reckon with.

No matter what God has called you to do in the Kingdom, you will always face naysayers. Those that no matter the purity of your heart, they will resist you and reject you.

You will have to decide to become all Christ is in you, or fall prey to the critics.

The photo I’m sharing with this post was one of those times where I had gotten wind of the angst of others that I was involved in a certain style of a music evening.

It was even more unnerving when the Lord moved me to sing with no music a song I had finished writing. No track. No beats. Just the lyrics as I grabbed hold of the wind of His Spirit.

When my time was up I sat back down.

After that night in the lobby, a precious man came walking quickly up to me crying. I was a bit stunned wondering what was happening.

Through his tears he said these words, “I don’t care if you’re not country enough, you are anointed.”

I was taken aback at what God had done and this precious brother thanked me for bringing Christ in.

I have never forgotten that moment nor the faithfulness of God in the midst of what felt like a wave of rejection from my peers.

But it is a great lesson for us today.

You and I must be willing to carry Christ in us into all manner of places. Whether you’re accepted or rejected, loved or hated, applauded or not. The Lord doesn’t really mind tossing you right into a lion’s den to reach the heart of people in need of The Christ in you.

The real test of a minister is not the approval of man. It is whether or not we continue to minister in the face of persecution, rejection, or disdain.

Will we still walk into the room amidst the whispers that wound?

We love our comfort. To be surrounded by “yes” people. To hang with the “approved” crowd.

I’m sorry, but that was rarely found in the scriptures. They took Christ into dark places, encountered demons, and were constantly harassed by those who said they were also following “God.”

The same will be true for us, if we’re really following Jesus.

Go into the world and preach the gospel to all creatures… (Mark 16:15)

And when you go, friends, realize your commission doesn’t change based on whether you’re loved or hated. In both environments, your commission is still clear.

But My righteous one [the one justified by faith] shall live by faith [respecting man’s relationship to God and trusting Him]; And if he draws back [shrinking in fear], My soul has no delight in him. (Hebrews 10:38)