Reflecting on the Lord’s warning to believers in John 17:12,14-16:

While I was with these that you have given me, I was guarding them and keeping them in your name. Not one of them is lost, except the one that was destined to be lost, so that the Scripture would be fulfilled…I have given them your message and that is why the unbelieving world hates them. For their allegiance is no longer to this world because I am not of this world. I am not asking that you remove them from the world, but I ask that you guard their hearts from evil, For they no longer belong to this world any more than I do. John 17:12, 14-16 (TPT)

Believers hardly come to terms with the numerous ways the world demonstrates this hatred, and unfortunately fail to respond appropriately. Recently certain Christian artistes who collaborated in a number of refreshing spirit-filled songs were the subject of baseless accusations on social media. Can two Christian artistes of opposite genders not collaborate in songs without being suspected or accused of sexual sin? Can a believer not be successful without being accused of unrighteous gain? Is the worldly system the place to seek vindication, if such will ever come?

Clean uncorrupted minds such as are described by Philippians 4:8 would not be swayed by such accusations knowing what the Lord said about the prince of this world in John 8:44. Sufficient is it to issue a rebuttal if we must, but going to the world’s system for justice is a poor reflection upon the believer. Are we aware of the things revealed regarding this world?

I took another good look at what’s going on: The very place of judgment—corrupt! The place of righteousness—corrupt! I said to myself, “God will judge righteous and wicked.” There’s a right time for every thing, every deed—and there’s no getting around it. Ecclesiastes 3:16-17 (MSG)

I also noticed that under the sun there is evil in the courtroom. Yes, even the courts of law are corrupt! I said to myself, “In due season God will judge everyone, both good and bad, for all their deeds.” Ecclesiastes 3:16-17 (NLT)

Don’t be surprised if you see a poor person being oppressed by the powerful and if justice is being miscarried throughout the land. For every official is under orders from higher up, and matters of justice get lost in red tape and bureaucracy. Ecclesiastes 5:8 (NLT)

Don’t be too upset when you see the poor kicked around, and justice and right violated all over the place. Exploitation filters down from one petty official to another. There’s no end to it, and nothing can be done about it. Ecclesiastes 5:8 (MSG)

As such instances of outright lies and trampling of the rights of the people will increase unabated, what is the believer’s option? When the Lord came, He taught us by His life and acts that we do not fight for our “rights.” Isaiah 53:7,10 and Matthew 5:38-44 are reflections of what He lived.

He was oppressed and harshly mistreated; still he humbly submitted, refusing to defend himself. He was led like a gentle lamb to be slaughtered. Like a silent sheep before his shearers, he didn’t even open his mouth… Even though it pleased Yahweh to crush him with grief, he will be restored to favor. After his soul becomes a guilt-offering, he will gaze upon his many offspring and prolong his days. And through him, Yahweh’s deepest desires will be fully accomplished. Isaiah 53:7,10 (TPT)

Your ancestors have also been taught, ‘Take an eye in exchange for an eye and a tooth in exchange for a tooth.’ However, I say to you, don’t repay an evil act with another evil act. But whoever insults you by slapping you on the right cheek, turn the other to him as well. If someone is determined to sue you for your coat, give him the shirt off your back as a gift in return. And should people in authority take advantage of you, do more than what they demand. Learn to generously share what you have with those who ask for help, and don’t close your heart to the one who comes to borrow from you.” Your ancestors have also been taught ‘Love your neighbors and hate the one who hates you.’ However, I say to you, love your enemy, bless the one who curses you, do something wonderful for the one who hates you,  and respond to the very ones who persecute you by praying for them. Matthew 5:38-44 (TPT)

It is not as though we have no recourse for indeed we have God for our recourse (Psa. 55). When lies, betrayal, scandals are mounted against us Psalm 55:1-8 contrasts turning it over to God, even as our flesh plans its escape to flee from all. Note particularly verse 22.

So here’s what I’ve learned through it all: Leave all your cares and anxieties at the feet of the Lord, and measureless grace will strengthen you. Psalm 55:22 (TPT)

Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved. Psalm 55:22 (KJV)

Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall. Psalm 55:22 (NLT)

Isaiah 26:3, Isaiah 54:10 and Jeremiah 33:3 are words to reflect upon and should be our choice in the face of wrong treatment. Men of wickedness who take pleasure in accusing the righteous only imagine what their wicked minds conjure.

O Lord, help us to obey Your instructions as laid out by Your life and Your instructions, above all making 1 Thessalonians 5:22 a watchword.

Abstain from evil [shrink from it and keep aloof from it] in whatever form or whatever kind it may be. 1 Thessalonians 5:22 (AMPC)

This position in untenable for the unbeliever, and hard to the carnal believer. Lord, we need to mature in You. Only with Your help can I do this. Selah.

Pastor Afolabi Oladele