Are you the real deal?

It happens to everyone at some point. We set out with the best of intentions, and try to present an honest and heart felt testimony of Christ’s love to others. Then, we face the “after effect.” The comments made on the sly while speaking, or out right challenge and contradiction once we have gone, are an attack on our character, and there is nothing new about them. Consider this from Paul.

2Corinthians 10:10
For some say, “His letters are weighty and forceful, but in person he is unimpressive and his speaking amounts to nothing.

This sort of attack can be hurtful to the individual, and down right harmful to the ministry calling that person is trying to fulfill. The amount of harm can be limited and sometimes prevented all-together if there is more to our honesty than a presentation. We must truly live the words that we speak, and the message that we share. God’s word is not just something that we pass on with a pen stroke or lip service. These are directions, warnings, and safeguards for life, and they must be adhered.

2 Corinthians 10:11
Such people should realize that what we are in our letters, when we are absent, we will be in our actions when we are present.

2 Corinthians 11:6
I do not think I am in the least inferior to those “super-apostles.” I may indeed be untrained as a speaker, but I do have knowledge. We have made this perfectly clear to you in every way.

We have nothing to fear from naysayers when we are able to respond in a similar fashion. The only way that we can enable ourselves to do this is by living in truth. We have to walk the walk, or someone will call us on it. People will only listen to lip service for so long before they want to see a living example of the life that Christians are called to. If they can’t find that example in the person speaking to them, they will often leave discouraged.

There will always be those who speak out against us, but if there is no weight to their words, they will be soon forgotten. Truth stands in the end. We must always be sure that our words and deeds are reflecting our message. When the truth comes out, let it be something to strengthen your ministry, and further the kingdom, rather than a hindrance.