September 1

God’s badge of honor

“And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good? But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled” (1 Pet. 3:13-14).

The devil’s growls and the world’s sneers are God’s marks of high honor. There are far greater calamities than to be unpopular and misunderstood. There are far worse things than to be found in the minority. Many of God’s greatest blessings are lying behind the devil’s scarecrows of prejudice and misrepresentation. The Holy Ghost is not ashamed to use the unpopular people, and if He uses them what need they care for men?
There was once a captain promoted for merit, but despised by aristocratic companions. One day the colonel found it out and determined to stop it, so he called on the young officer, and they walked up and down the parade ground, the other captains meanwhile being obliged to salute both him and his companion every time they passed. That settled the new captain’s standing. After that there were no cuts or sneers. It was enough that the commanding officer had walked by his side.

Oh, to have God’s recognition, when man’s notice will count for little. He will give us all the human help and praise we need.

Expect contradiction and opposition, together with crosses of various kinds. Consider the words of St. Paul, “Unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ”—for His sake, as a fruit of His death and intercession for you—“not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake.”
It is given. God gives you this opposition or reproach; it is a fresh token of His love. And will you disown the Giver, or spurn His gift and count it a misfortune? Will you not rather say, “Father, the hour is come that Thou shouldst be glorified; now Thou givest Thy child to suffer something for Thee, do with me according to Thy will”?
—John Wesley.

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