Soldier's Orders: Submission To Injustice

You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well.

Matthew 5:38-40 (NIV)

Submitting to personal injustice is extraordinarily difficult, but so was (and is) the path of God’s stars.

  • Jacob submitted to the injustice of deception (from his father-in-law).

  • Leah submitted to the injustice of disregard (from Jacob’s lack of love).

  • Joseph submitted to the injustice of slavery (from his brother’s envy).

  • David submitted to the injustice of betrayal (from Joab and his sons).

  • Daniel submitted to the injustice of a lion's den (from his rival’s plot).

  • His friends submitted to the injustice of a fiery furnace (which they survived!)

  • Jeremiah submitted to the injustice of prison (for telling the truth).

  • Jesus submitted to the injustice of the Cross (so WE wouldn’t be condemned.)

Consider three powerful reasons WHY:

  1. Being a submissive soldier invites your Commander in Chief to handle it: 'Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: 'It is Mine to avenge; I will repay,' says the Lord' (Romans 12:19). 'For after all, it is only just for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you' (2 Thessalonians 1:6).

  2. Sometimes, evil perps come to see The Light! Eventually, Jacob loved Leah, and Joseph became Egypt’s Governor. Three kings saw the light because of Daniel and his brave friends. A Roman Centurion came to faith while seeing Jesus hanging on the Cross: 'Truly this Man was the Son of God' (Mark 15:39).

  3. In all cases, victims became victors, bullies were broken, and justice was served. Even now, a come-from-behind hero… makes more news than a “favorite” who wins. Therein, remarkable transformations of losers-turned-winners spread EVERYWHERE (like YouTube videos that go viral)! God is glorified.

Actors, models, and talent for Christ:

When Joseph's brothers expressed their remorse for their incredibly dastardly deed, he replied: 

You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives' (Genesis 50:20).

Joseph’s years of suffering set the stage for delivery– not only Joseph’s, but also the nation of Israel. In summary, consider two more things:

  • The suffering you (or others) have endured is a set-up for God’s delivery. Therein, persevere and expect success. Great finales take time, so be patient.

  • The suffering idolatry causes to naive lives… by making bad look good (fueled by the entertainment industry), has set YOU up for glorious success. Through you, God will reap where He did not sow.*

Actors, models, and talent for Christ:

You’ve witnessed the exploitation of fans. It’s their suffering you’re sent to relieve.

Because what Satan intended for harm (all the bad parts of the industry), your Commander ‘Intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.' 

Soldier's Orders: Submission To Injustice (Part 19)

NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God. You may see notes to 'Actors, Models & Talent for Christ.' If you think you're not in show business, think again. Shakespeare said, 'All the world's a stage and all its men and women merely players.’ Mostly true. But you're not merely players. You are messengers and ambassadors for the King of kings.

Carey Arban