A Higher Calling

"This one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."
__ The Apostle Paul (Philippians 3:13,14)
Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:21)

When we resist fighting evil with evil, we are pursuing a higher calling, as the scriptures encourage us to do: "See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men. (1 Thessalonians 5:15)

If we allow ourselves to commit hateful acts and engage in inflammatory speech against others to cause them harm, we are causing greater harm to ourselves. The spirit of hate is demonic; it carry with it a heavy burden within the soul of the person it possess, or within the mind of the person it oppress. The spirit of hate imprison the person it holds captive; preventing him or her from freedom and peace. Without freedom, peace cannot exist.

Such a person, lives in a world of darkness. The penalty for this person is that they will reap the evil they sowed.

Those who pursue a higher calling, gain freedom and peace, by learning to put hurtful things behind them: They pursue a brighter future with righteousness that release freedom and peacefulness within their soul.
To pursue Love and Peace, we must find a way to put past events that were hurtful behind: The scriptures instructs us to "Pray without ceasing." And offer to us encouragement to give thanks to God, in every thing, further stating, "This is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."
 (1 Thessalonians 5: 15, 18)

In Conclusion

Jesus was hated, lied on, mocked, discriminated against, because he was different, and crucified by those who judged him. Being that he represent A Higher Calling; those who pursue it can't expect to be treated differently than he. Otherwise, it would place them in a position above the Son of God.
In his own words, Jesus stated, "The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant his lord. It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household? Fear them not therefore: For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known."
__Jesus Christ (Matthew 10:24,25,26)

God's Instructions to Pursue A Higher Calling

Ye have heard that it has been said, "Thou shall Love thy neighbor and hate thine enemy." But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you: That you may be the children of your Father which is in heaven." (Matthew 5:43, 44,45)
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: Old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. (II Corinthians 5;17)
Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbor; for we are members one of another. (Ephesians 4:25)
And be renewed in the spirit of your mind: (Ephesians 4:23)
Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour,  and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. (Ephesians 4:31,32)
"Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies and envies, and all evil speakings," (1 Peter 2:1,2)

God's Protection Plan with His Blessings

"For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you he shall not lose his reward."
__  Jesus Christ  (Mark 9:41)

"And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he was cast into the sea."___ Jesus Christ (Mark 9:42)
"What shall we then say to these thing? If God be for us, who can be against us?"__ The Apostle Paul (Romans 8:31)
The scripture further informs us, Be not deceived, God is not mocked; for whatsoever a  man soweth, that shall he also reap. (Galatians 6:7)

To be clear, the word 'man' is used as to include  the human race.
Written by Ellen Jean Barrier
10/24/2016