Ya’ Turned Christian, Didn’t Ya?
“Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.” (Matt 5:11)
There was popular movie that came out 35 years ago which portrayed a U.S. Army Lieutenant who was to take control of a small army post out in the western plains. This was set in the mid 1800's during the Civil War. The Lieutenant found the fort was deserted but he stayed. He eventually befriended a band of Native Americans who took him in as one of their own tribal members. After being beaten unconscious by soldiers who didn’t recognize him as a soldier, and lying there in tribal garb, a tough sergeant said to him, “ya' turned injun, didn’t ya?”
When I first received Jesus (Jn 1:12) [and was born again] (Jn 3:7), many treated me as an outcast. They might as well have said, “ya' turned Christian didn’t ya?” The didn't recognize me any longer. Jesus said “A prophet is not without honor, save in his own country, and in his own house.” (Matt 13:57) He was not honored in His own household and country. While Believers rejoice, those who have not received Jesus sometimes despise us because of our new relationship with Christ.
Let us not be deterred in our labor for the Lord but know there will be times when some will even revile us for our faith in Christ. Jesus said “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15) Possibly one of His last commands to His disciples (and us).
“Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not:” (Isaiah 35:4a) We are called to be soldiers for Christ (2 Tim 2:3-4). Regardless of our age. There is only One to fear and that is the LORD, “Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God, and serve him, and shalt swear by his name.” (Deu 6:13) When we receive Jesus, we belong to Him and He will fight our battles and calm our fears. Give it all to Jesus and obey His words so we can tell all about the living Christ.
Thanks for “Taking 5" • Gary Waddell • Victory Ministries Middle Tennessee • 4/24/2026
www.iamnotashamed.com • www.ioweitalltojesus.com • God bless and bless GOD
