Shaking It Off

And if any place will not welcome you or listen to you, shake the dust off your feet when you leave, as a testimony against them.” Mark 6:11

Here’s some good advice Jesus gave His disciples. When someone rejects you or won’t listen to you,‘…shake the dust off your feet when you leave, as a testimony against them.’ When you experience rejection, you have two choices: allow it to affect your confidence and self-worth, or‘shake it off’ and move on. Now, Jesus was not talking about sincere minds that don’t understand, but proud minds that reject the truth. He was saying, ‘Don’t let it break your stride and keep you from accomplishing what needs to be done.’ When Paul was shipwrecked on the island of Malta, he was bitten by a snake while gathering firewood. Immediately the islanders said to one another,‘…this man is a murderer, whom, though he has escaped the sea, yet justice does not allow to live’ (Acts 28:4). How did Paul respond?‘…he shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm’ (v. 5). What did the islanders say about him then?‘…they changed their minds and said that he was a god’ (v. 6). Wow! People’s minds change like the wind! So don’t let their compliments puff you up, or their criticisms tear you down. God’s will is for you to help others. If they accept your help, give it. If not, go where you will be accepted and appreciated. Jesus said, ‘…I say to you, he who receives whomever I send, receives Me…’ (John 13:20). In the final analysis it’s not you they are rejecting, but the One who sent you. Knowing that, gives you confidence and peace of mind.

Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me not to take it personally when offers of help are given and are rejected. Help me see it means you want me to help someone else. In Jesus’ Name, Amen