And as the ark of the LORD came into the city of David, Michal Saul’s daughter looked through a window, and saw king David leaping and dancing before the LORD; and she despised him in her heart. II Samuel 6:16 KJV
How easy it is to be misunderstood and even disliked for God’s work in your life. Because people are limited to what they see and cannot discern the heart of another, they can come to a wrong conclusion about your Christian life. This makes sense when it comes from someone who is not a Christian, but it is sometimes hard to digest when it is coming from those within the walls of a church and the body of Christ.
David was despised for his jubilant expression of joy and praise. All his wife, Michal, could conclude was that his behavior was unacceptable and inappropriate. It wasn’t something she would do therefore in her mind it wasn’t something he should do. What was David’s reaction? He did not allow her opinion to become his barometer for behavior. He knew his heart and it was connected to an extravagant God! While he could not persuade her to change her view, he also refused to allow her to dampen his celebration! God’s opinion was the only one that mattered.
Jesus was often misunderstood and criticized for his actions…even his performing of miracles. The religious leaders of His day were constantly watching him and drawing wrong conclusions. Pride and jealousy made them blind and unreceptive to His deity. What should have been undeniable proof that the Messiah had come, became grounds for their rejection of Him. What did Jesus do? Sometimes He walked in silence and other times He used words to silence them. He refused to allow their fears and prejudices to rob Him of one moment of obedience to His Father. Once again, God’s opinion was the only one that mattered.
In the fall of 2004, I experienced the back lash of people who could not discern the work of God in my life. They had an idea of how the Christian life should be lived and I was no longer fitting into their mold. For the first time in my life I was living connected to God, experiencing freedom, devouring Scripture, and excited about my faith and my God. I had stepped outside the box of public opinion and what made others comfortable. While many rejoiced with me, others condemned me. To this day their looks of disgust and coldness of shoulders is perceived and felt. What do I do? I stay connected to God on a daily basis and live my life according to His voice, His Word, His Spirit, and His leading. People have a right to their opinions, but no one but God has a right to dictate how I should live out my relationship with Him. Once again, God’s opinion is the only one that matters!
Father, it is difficult and sometimes lonely to climb out on a limb with You. Thank you for the ones who have sat with me, prayed for me, and cried with me. I look to You alone to define and direct me. Amen.
