We are not long into the kingdom of God until someone unleashes criticism or negative words our way. This may come from an unbeliever or it may come from within the ranks of the family of God. One thing is for certain, if we are doing God’s work, God’s way, criticism is going to follow. Those criticisms we can understand from the unbeliever, but when a brother or sister in Christ hurls those abuses our way, the words dig deeper into us.
What we have to remember, and remember well, is that life here on earth is not our home. We are destined to an eternity in heaven. Satan tries his hardest to cause us to feel defeated and forsaken as those criticisms come our way. If we allow this to happen, then he gets the victory. Over and over again, Scripture teaches that life on earth will be difficult. Satan and the world mercilessly physically and emotionally attacked our Lord. Jesus reminds us that if they did that to Him, then we should expect no less to happen to us.
To keep our sanity and a faithful walk with Jesus during such times, it is helpful to fill our minds with thoughts of heaven. After all, that is our real home. “We talk about gates of pearl and the street of gold and walls of jasper, and we are thrilled; but those things would not be attractive if Jesus were not there. His presence is what will make heaven such a grand place” (Paul Rees).
Jesus closes the Beatitudes with these words: “Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you, because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you” (Matt. 6:11-12). That persecution you experience may come from unbelievers or believers. Jesus says to do not let that affect you, because when you get to heaven you will receive bountiful blessings to enjoy forever because of your persecution. You will overcome those verbal darts when you enter the gates of heaven; there you will get blessings, blessings, and more blessings.
