Soldier's Orders: Refusal To Scoff
In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.
Jude 1:18 (ESV)
Look, you scoffers, be astounded and perish; for I am doing a work in your days, a work that you will not believe, even if one tells it to you.
Acts 13:41 (ESV)
Drive out a scoffer, and strife will go out, and quarreling and abuse will cease.
Proverbs 22:10 (ESV)
Training for man's army and God's army separates on the subject of scoffing.
Sergeants are famous for scathing put-downs of their new recruits: from slams to shame to repattern young minds.
God is famous for amazing pull-ups of His new recruits: from death to life by the Way of His Son.
His driving purpose is elevation:
' 'Build up, build up, prepare the way, remove every obstacle out of the way of My people.' For thus says the high and exalted One Who lives forever, Whose Name is Holy, 'I dwell on a high and holy place... In order to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite' ' (Isaiah 57:14-15).
Actors, models, and talent for Christ:
As warriors of God’s great revival, 'The joy of the Lord is your strength' (Nehemiah 8:10).
Toward both insiders and outsiders, continue as the Lord’s Good News brigade:
'Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen' (Ephesians 4:29).
Christian performers WILL face dream haters: people who doubt and scoff at your calling to enter the media’s vast mission fields. God's warning to dream haters is severe.
Be encouraged and encourage others: 'Love your neighbor as yourself' (Mark 12:31).
Consider one star preacher and teacher from the 19th century, Charles Spurgeon. On his path, this man of God faced scoffers, and to them he said:
'To be laughed at is no great hardship to me. I can delight in scoffs and jeers. Caricatures, lampoons, and slanders are my glory. But that you should turn from your own mercy, that is my sorrow. Spit on me, but, oh, repent! Laugh at me, but, oh, believe in my Master! Make my body as the dirt of the streets, but damn not your own souls!'
Soldier's Orders: Refusal To Scoff (Part 21)
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.