The title of today’s meditation had you ready to research the definition immediately, right? Well, let me save you some time. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines the meaning of the word: To criticize harshly usually publicly. There are a variety of synonyms and similar words given, including attack, slam, assail, and bash.
If we are living like we ought, we should expect to be excoriated. That does not matter. As a matter of fact, that’s excellent! Really! Yes, really! Just recall the words of that old hymn, “I’ve Been ‘Buked,” especially that part we sang at some churches back in the day, “I’ve been ‘buked. I’ve been scorned. I’ve been talked about sho’s you born, but…“ Are you ready for the words that come after the conjunction? Okay! I won’t let you down. Here they are, my friend! “…but I am going to see the King.” Praise God in a confident voice of certainty!
Just in case, I said, “Just in case,” you need biblical evidence that you should expect to be excoriated and you also need to be reassured that it is excellent, then just look at the verse below, taken from The Beatitudes taught by Jesus in Matthew 5.
Have a good day! And when folks talk about you because of your faith walk, Christian talk, and your refusal to stoop to joining in profane shoptalk, just know what they say is not as valuable as hearing the Lord say that you are blessed! Hey, can I say it too! Be blessed!
“Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in this same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Matthew 5:11-12 NASB)
Committed to the climb,
Mark L. King