If you ever get to a place in your walk where you find yourself neglected, rejected, or avoided by others in the faith, five possibilities exist for your situation.
1. You are pompous, self absorbed and absent of love & compassion toward others.
2. You are fantastical, and live a religion of your own, disregarding the Spirit of truth.
3. You are zealous, eager to share Christ, but lacking refinement in your own identity.
4. You are boisterous, void of the life in Christ, worldly in your dealings with others.
5. You are humble, charitable, empty of yourself and available to God, full of the Holy Spirit.
In the first case, you will find it difficult to relate to others as you incessantly portray yourself as 'one over others in the Lord'. Lacking the spirit of love, you disregard the personal interests of others, and concentrate more on elevating yourself. As a narcissist, your main concern is your own image, and an empty witness will be your sign.
Rebuke from others will most likely accompany the second scenario; their recognition of your wayward walk, should they themselves be knowledgeable of the truth. If they are constantly correcting you about your theology, you are most likely to be lacking the true grace and knowledge of Jesus and have vigorously strained to be a separated and unique 'saint'. You have an insatiable desire to impress the church with your godliness. They will not be impressed, and your indignation towards them will be your sign.
As a zealot, arguments and disagreements will arise frequently as you force your experiences upon others. The blatant commands of your mouth appear no less than a demand for others to get right with God, all the while struggling with your own sanctification. You will receive much aggression and frustration will be your sign.
Fourth; you are eager to experience the pleasures of life, consumed with the wisdom of the world. Surrounded by those in the faith, they recognize the absence of your being 'born again from above', and the presence of your affections for everything the world enjoys. You do not understand why everyone has to be so spiritual, and your exclusion of service in the church will be your sign.
Silence will accompany the last; a result of the conviction of the Holy Spirit upon others through you, should they be void of a life in Christ. If you find your attempts to socialize with others difficult, due to their eschewing of your desires to fellowship, you are most likely so enlightened by the Holy Spirit that they don't find much in common with you. They sense convictions through you without you even having to speak. You will experience personal sorrow, and your continued love and desire towards them will be your sign.
In any case, you are left alone. Carefully examine the responses of the children of God around you and be humble enough to accept the truth that is being revealed to you.
PJR
"Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others."
(Philippians 2:3,4)
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