Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Matthew 5:11-12

It's not easy to be different. We all crave love and acceptance. We don't want to stand out. We want to fit in. We want to belong. 

When we sense that popular opinion is going against us it is our instinct to protect ourselves. We don't want to be the lone voice speaking up. We don't want to challenge the status quo all by ourselves. We want people to like us. We want others to think highly of us and speak well of us. 

Unfortunately, we're not given that luxury in the kingdom. If we are truly following the King's orders and calling others to follow him, we aren't going to be liked. 

It's always been that way. The prophets were not accepted. They were subjected to all sorts of both physical and emotional abuse. They lived hard and difficult lives. But in the end they received their reward. And we will receive our reward, as long as we are willing to suffer a little persecution. 

If you want to be liked, then never say anything to offend anyone. Keep your mouth shut and mind your own business. Most people will leave you alone. 

But if you want to practice radical discipleship, follow Jesus into the synagogues and challenge the powers that be. It will get you in trouble, for sure, but it will also lead to a great reward in heaven. 

Father, may we never be ashamed to speak your name before others. Give us the courage to take unpopular stands. Teach us to rejoice when we are persecuted. We pray our trials will only make us focus even more on the reward.