Your account is paid in full!

Matthew 5:11-12
Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

As I read this verse, I can't help but think that Governor Palin must recite this verse every morning, maybe several times a day. Here we have someone who has been very open about their walk with Christ and now there is all kinds of attacks on her.

Yesterday I was watching the news in the lunch room. There was a guy next to me and he made a comment about politicians. I seized the opportunity to be a witness. I said: "the founding fathers of this country surely knew what to do when faced with the great challenge of forming this nation. They got on their knees and prayed to the chief architect of the greatest bailout." Then I looked at him right in the eyes and said: "he bailed me out, he is my salvation, what do you think?"

That was a bold moment, being that in corporate America God has been minimized but the Spirit was upon me. This gentleman's words surprised me, it was like a full force frontal attack. Now to get some context in the situation I must tell you that he was black.

He stood up and said: "if that's the case then tell me why I'm still a slave? Tell me why my grandfather who was born in 1930 slaved all his live because of his color?"

Wow. I was speechless. I thought, where is this guy coming from? Does he really think this stuff? Is he for real? He kept on talking about lack of opportunities and injustice. As if it was the fault of our forefathers who believed in God? Thoughts kept running through my mind... "Does this guy know that some of my relatives are as dark as he is???" But I said nothing in defense.

This guy does not obviously understand this verse as surely Martin Luther King Jr. understood it. Strength and justice are gained from humility and perseverance not from governmental bailouts.

So remember, next time you feel attacked, smile and rejoice with assurance of the reward that awaits you because your account is paid in full by the blood of Jesus.