You Wanted Their Approval and They Rejected You! What Next? - a podcast by David K Payne

 

Over the years, I have talked and written about the tendency to cling to what is comfortable instead of embracing new ideas or directions. A while back, after leaving a religious organization I had been a part of my whole life, a leader from my district asked for a meeting. Out of respect, I agreed to meet with him. The organization wasn't satisfied with my departure and decided to sever ties with me, declaring me non-grata. It's funny to think about now, but at the time, I was still trying to defend myself and prove that I wasn't a bad person. The organization's leaders made decisions for other ministers, determining who they could associate with. Thankfully, I've freed myself from that mindset.

I vividly remember a conversation with a pastor who I considered a friend. He pushed me to reveal my stance on specific doctrinal issues, and he admitted that he didn't fully believe in everything either but was too old to change. I hope that if something in me needs to change or grow, I dare to do so, even on my deathbed. Despite my efforts to defend myself, the organization sent a letter proclaiming that I had abandoned my faith and couldn't be tolerated. However, some friends still came to preach at our church and faced the same consequences as I did. The whole situation seems absurd when I look back on it.

Interestingly, being expelled from my longtime religious home was the best thing that ever happened to me. I had to start associating with people from other religious organizations, the ones I used to believe were doomed because they didn't share my views. But meeting other pastors who were more committed than I was became a catalyst for change, as I mentioned in my previous blog post. So, I want to thank the leaders who "kicked me out" because they inadvertently helped me grow to where I am today. Jesus often spoke about these lessons, emphasizing that our greatest enemies can be those closest to us.

There's a passage in Matthew 10:34–39 where Jesus says he came not to bring peace but a sword, setting family members against each other. He warns that if we love our family more than him and cling to our comfortable lives, we won't be worthy of him. I included the entire context because it's essential to understand that any comfort that keeps us stagnant threatens our personal and spiritual growth. A few years after the religious organization expelled me, most of my family, including my parents and brothers, distanced themselves from me. However, that loneliness drove me to seek the Lord, leading to a personal faith and relationship with God. It was the stripping away of familiarity that saved me.

While discussing this in a religious context, these principles apply to all aspects of life. Jesus said we would be blessed when people speak ill of us falsely for his sake. Often, the things that appear destructive in our lives are our salvation. Trust in the Lord and have confidence that he will guide your path. I'm at a point where I almost feel rebellious. I look at myself now and think, "How do you like me now?" If only those who rejected me in the past knew. Strangely enough, I am now at peace with God and deeply grateful for his mercy, grace, and love that continues to bless my life. In conclusion, as the Psalmist said, "I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever!"

 

Amen,

David

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