To Turn or Not to Turn?

If you have been alive for more than a few years, then someone that you trusted, admired or placed your faith in has probably let you down. In fact, I would be willing to bet that on more than one occasion, someone has promised more than they could deliver...then, with little thought for their actions, they have left you broken-hearted, defeated or down-right mad. WELCOME TO THE HUMAN RACE.

The question, however, that always arises is …“How am I supposed to react to someone who is a promise breaker/persecuter?

Jesus set the tone for that question in His Sermon on the Mount, recorded in Matthew 5: 10-12 that reads, “Blessed are those that are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven. 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.”

They are several things that Jesus is saying to us that should bring us comfort and encouragement as we read and study this passage.

First of all, you are NOT the first to be persecuted, disappointed, used, abused and lied to…it happened to the prophets and it will continue to happen until Christ returns. In the meantime, realize that you are in GOOD COMPANY and be encouraged.

Secondly, if you have been lied to or have had promises broken while you were doing the right and honorable thing….you will be BLESSED! God honors those that keep their word and fulfill their obligations with fairness and integrity. Keep walking the walk even if others around you are taking a shortcut…they may get their quicker, but they will have short-changed themselves in the journey.

Thirdly, you may consider someone’s broken promise as a personal affront; a quantifiable slap in the face; you may even take it as a personal character assassination that says you are not worthy of their best effort to keep their commitment…and you might just BE RIGHT! However, hurt feelings and broken hearts do not dismiss your obligation to keep your part of the bargain. You do what you promised and let God deal with them….He’ll handle it MUCH better than you!

And lastly, when all is said and done and there’s seems to be no remorse or apology in the offing from your offender; find a way to REJOICE and be GLAD. Dig deep and know that God is in control of even the worst situations and if you will trust Him for the outcome, your reward will be great….maybe not now, or even in the foreseeable future; but Heaven is only a moment away for each of us.

In fact, later in the same chapter, Jesus says, “You have heard it said, Eye for eye and tooth for tooth. But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have you cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.” Matthew 5:38-41

You will never be able to control the actions of others…some will promise and deliver; others will persecute and destroy. The ONLY thing you can control is how you react to their actions…

You can get mad and get even ….or you can turn the other cheek and be the bigger, better person…the person who follows in the Savior’s footsteps …the choice is yours….

TO TURN OR NOT TO TURN…one of life’s greatest challenges.

Living with an exposed left cheek,
WPQ