Offended!

written by Stephan Joubert

Well-known physician and author, Ben Carson, says that some people choose to feel constantly offended and disadvantaged. In every audience, family, workplace or church you will find such offended ones. They are always "deeply hurt" or "deeply worried." They are the ones who walk out when the pastor is too innovative and renewing. They are the ones who will bad-mouth people behind their backs and write protesting letters about everything that is wrong with the country, the school and the church. They are better informed about what is wrong with the world, than about what is right with God and his people!

Balanced people spend too much energy on these human wells of objection. It doesn't help. Recognize early those who have adopted protest as a full-time career. Stop trying to keep them happy. You won't succeed in this. Rather fill your life with the Lord's joy and share it with those who are open, receptive and teachable. Always sow good seed in fertile ground. Oh yes, and use Proverbs 26:4-5 as a guideline when the offended ones close in on you again. Determine when to answer them and when not to. Sometimes you will waste good breath on them, but at other times they might need to hear about their own foolishness.

Peace

Stephan Joubert