integrity and popularity
"Whether they heed or resist — for they are a rebellious house — they shall know that a prophet has been among them." —Ezekiel 2:5
The issue was not Ezekiel's success but his faithfulness. Whether or not the people changed and repented, they were to know "that a prophet has been among them" (Ez 2:5). For example, if you're a priest, the issue is not your parish's prosperity or your popularity with others, but being a true priest in their midst. On the job, whether you're promoted and wealthy is not the point, but do your co-workers know that a Christian has been among them? It's not what we do that's important, but who we are. It's not raising money, but raising faith. What matters is not building, but being, our integrity, rather than our popularity.
Jesus was not accepted in His own home town. His neighbors didn't believe in Him (Mk 6:3). His relatives thought He was crazy (Mk 3:21). They probably thought they were proven right when Jesus was crucified. But the home town folks knew a Prophet was in their midst, although they did not accept Him. Jesus did His Father's will, come what may. Obey God and do His thing, and He'll take care of the rest.
Prayer: Father, may I not care about prosperity and popularity, only about obedience.
Promise: "My grace is enough for you, for in weakness power reaches perfection." —2 Cor 12:9
Praise: Praise Jesus, Who finished the work of our salvation and brought victory to mankind.
Reference: (For a related teaching, order our leaflet, Job Performance for Jesus, or on audio AV 43-3 or video V-43.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, December 12, 2005
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