New Life Church An Oasis of Love
with Pastor Marti and Jessica McGrail
Shake It Off (2/27/11) Shake It Off If any household or town refuses to welcome you or listen to your message, shake its dust from your feet as you leave (Matthew 10:14) Jesus sent His disciples out to the different towns to reach the people and care for their needs. But He knew they would suffer rejection, just as He did. Jesus said so in the verse above.
Notice He didn’t say if they start talking about you and spreading rumors, to defend yourself and try to set the record straight.
He simply said, “Shake the dust off of your feet.” That was a symbolic way of saying, “you’re not going to steal my joy. You may be talking about me, but I’m not going to sink down to your level. I’m going to let God be my Vindicator.” We all have times when we get into situations that we need to shake off. When you leave the office, sometimes you‘ve got to shake it off. People talking, playing politics, trying to bring you down; don’t allow that junk to get into your heart. Don’t bring it home. Shake it off.
Sometimes when you leave your relative’s house, you need to say to yourself, “I’m shaking this off. I’m not going to carry bitterness or offense.” You might say, “Marty, I heard that one of my business competitors is talking about me. Man, I’m going to fight fire with fire. I’m going to let him have it.” No, that’s not the way you win. Let God be your Vindicator. If you’ll take the high road, then God will fight your battle for you.
You never really win by sinking down to their level and attacking them personally. Rise above that. When somebody’s being critical and negative toward you, just recognize it for what it is – a distraction causing me to take my eyes off the prize.”
In other words, “I’m not going to let their jealous spirit or negative attitude poison my life. I’m going to stay full of joy.”
As you learn to shake things off and let things go, you will find greater peace and joy and discover that God is working things out for your benefit.
He will open doors of opportunity and bring you divine connections that will help you accomplish all that He has called you to do. |
