“As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 2:4

You are included. Those words are most encouraging when one begins to understand God’s plan of redemption.

For years, I thought that God only loved me if I performed in a religious manner. If I lit my candles, went to church every Sunday, gave money, and reduced the amount of swear words that came out of my mouth, God would be so-so satisfied and maybe bless me with more than a so-so life.

When the good news of Jesus Christ first etched into my mind, I couldn’t believe it. It sounded radical. Impossible. What is the catch? What strings were attached and conditions not being conveyed?

Growing up in today’s world where one is constantly being rejected for either one’s ideas, potential relationships, or business ventures, one usually becomes gun shy and defensive. We slowly build walls around our heart. Each rejection causes another defensive wall to cover up the pain. Eventually, we have so many defensive guards in place that we can’t even experience life any longer. We live a shadow of who we were created to be.

We experience rejection through a multitude of events. For example, divorce, job terminations, unwanted pregnancies, first love breakups, sibling rivalries, etc. The problem isn’t rejection. It is our response. If we are fragile without mature roots in Jesus Christ, we become defensive or offensive. Either approach though causes pain within ourselves or in others through destructive means. If we withdraw within ourselves, we cover up the hurt. If we live in denial, we are lying about the situation. If we attack the other party, we will only cause greater harm.

However, with mature roots in Jesus Christ, we follow the lead of our Rabbi. We forgive. We pray for the other person asking God to intervene and bless the other party. We transform rejection into the opportunity for good to come about. We lay it down at Jesus’ feet and ask Him to intervene and make things right.

Generally speaking, rejection occurs when one of our idols fail us. The pain may hurt for awhile. But instead of allowing it to damage us, we use the pain to allow God have his way with us and them. Not an easy thing to do without God. Humanly speaking, almost impossible for most. With God, who includes us all in Jesus Christ’s work of reconciliation, rejection becomes the cornerstone of a new beginning. Our idols are dismantled. We grow as a person. Others are blessed through our prayers. God’s domain expands. We learn to live in a healthy relationship with God, others, and self. Over time, we discover that rejection becomes the catalyst for something good. Only because Jesus made it and makes it possible.

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Executive Chair, Consultant, Encourager
Marketplace Bible Institute
& Resource Center, Inc
Author of e-Books:
* Great Business Emulates a Good God
* Be Radical…Follow Christ!
* Simply The Messenger
* Unequally Married