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Previous Challenge Entry
Topic: Insulted (11/01/04)
TITLE: INSULTED
By Dayo Osho
11/05/04
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Occasionally, I get so puzzled at the complexity of man’s heart. Despite the supposed maturity we sometimes boast we have, it still amazes me each time I witness the several instinctive display of un-Christ-like attitudes we all exhibit once in a while. Although we are quite well-informed about the theoretical knowledge of God’s word and heaven’s general expectations of us, yet appropriating these simple truths into our lives has become a major challenge in our day to day Christian walk.

I will never forget the day the Holy Spirit played that surly but helpful movie of my heart to me. Prior to that day, I had built a reputation for myself as a youth leader and God has helped me to earn the respect of the leadership of the church and indeed the entire church. But I was so conscious of that status that I could sacrifice anything to keep it. And so, an issue was brought to my knowledge that one of our sisters was involved in an ungodly relationship which has progressed into a very indecent affair. She kept denying it until a major crisis exposed the relationship. We then gently called her so as to know her story.

I was not only disturbed by her responses but I was equally upset that she has had me fooled all the time I believed the best of her. But the most infuriating part of the story was the fact that she was an executive of the group. And some segment of the church leadership insinuated that most likely her conduct is a reflection of the lifestyle of the whole youth group. I was furious and greatly insulted. I was literarily ready to crucify all my critics. It was a great insult on the whole fellowship and I took it so personal against my critics.

But then, God open my eyes to His word and the countless insults that the Master himself was subjected to. Several lies and slanders were spoken against him, yet he always found a space for forgiveness in His heart. Misunderstanding of our intentions is a normal part of our lives and we have to learn to bear it without growing bitter to our accusers. We should learn to respond to issues and not overly react to them. In the midst of those apparent insults we may have to put up with, there is always a consolation for us, after we are saved today, because our Master was insulted.