Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Matthew 5:11-12, NKJV
Have you ever been targeted or attacked for being a Christian? Have you ever been accused of things that are untrue and hurtful, stemming from the fact that you believe in the word of God? I have, multiple times.
Most recently, I was teaching a district-chosen text in which a character considers aborting her baby because of relational and financial pressures (she doesn’t go through with it in the end). During the class discussion, I used the phrase “intentionally kill the child” to describe the situation. The next day, I received a long email from a parent who had taken it upon themselves to comb through my personal social media accounts that read, “It appears you have very strong religious opinions. I’m curious as to what your intent was to refer to elective abortion as “killing” in your public-school classroom? We strongly believe that personal religious or political opinions do not belong in the workplace.”
At first, I was shocked.
But things like this shouldn’t surprise us. In the Bible, Jesus warned us repeatedly that life as His followers would be more difficult, not less so. But He also reassures us that the attacks indicate that we are on the right track. They are actually cause for celebration! They show us that the enemy considers us a threat!
It was clear to me that this situation was not about me and these parents; it was much bigger.
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12
When you find yourself in a spiritual battle (especially at work), here are some helpful things to remember:
- Wait, pray, and seek wise counsel. Do not answer immediately, especially when you are emotional. A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1
- Respond with respect and facts only. Ignore any personal attacks and take the high road. Treat them the way you wish they would have treated you. If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat; And if he is thirsty, give him water to drink; For so you will heap coals of fire on his head, and the Lord will reward you. Proverbs 25: 21-22
- Remember that this is not your battle. As long as you are obeying what the Lord would have you do, you are in the right. He will take care of it. And Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever. The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.” Exodus 14:13-14
Dear Lord, thank you for Your promises to defend me, especially when the enemy attacks me. Please help me to bear up under the persecution that I face for Your name’s sake. Please give me the faith to stand firm and not be afraid. Please help me to trust You with all of this every day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Copyright Rhapsody Jordan-Parisi.
Rhapsody is a member and high school English teacher from North Carolina. She is passionate about helping overwhelmed teachers reclaim their time and peace of mind through support, encouragement, and intentional strategies. You can connect with her at tightropeteaching.com.
3 Responses
This is helpful and encouraging. “…the battle is the Lord’s”!!! (David said to Goliath). TY Lord for CE.
God bless you, Bobbie!
Thank you so much Rhapsody! I love that you mentioned that at first, you were shocked. I also appreciate how courageous you are, consistently standing up for what is right.
Great advice! “Do not answer immediately, especially when you are emotional.” A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1NKJV