Remaining secure in the face of intimidation

Jesus was not affected when the people vilified Him concerning his less glamorous heritage. However, He felt secured that He came from heaven. How should we see ourselves when others think less of us? Many people see themselves through the eyes of others. Hence, they are always unsure of themselves. They feel good when others praise them, and feel small when others belittle them. The Jews were grumbling about Jesus because He said, “I am the bread that came down out of heaven.” They brought up his parents who were lowly in social status, “Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, who father and mother we know? How can He now say, I have come down out of heaven?” (John 6:34). And yet in another incident when Jesus taught in the temple. The Jews said, “How has this man become learned, having never been educated?” (John 7:15). Are you constantly being intimidated by others? Do not feel strange that something like that had happened to you because Jesus Himself was mocked by others. People are people; they are in the habit of belittling and gossiping about others especially against those who are successful in order to make themselves feel better. They say things to slow you down because they saw something in you and it made them jealous. Be comforted when people turn their guns on you because you posed a threat to them.

Jesus was secured and remained steadfast despite the attacks of the Jews. Jesus said to them, “Do not grumble among yourselves. No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up on the last day.” (John 6:43-44). Likewise, we must remain secure in the love and the faithfulness of God. God has raised up friends and allies who will work alongside with you to fulfill God’s plans. Ignore those who looked down on you and do not be distracted by them.

Are you shaken by people who speak in a manner that threatened your confidence? Are you confident that it is God who put you there to be an asset to your organization? Hence, you do not have to prove your worth but take courage to express the words of wisdom and truth that God has placed in your mouth. People who try to intimate others, often feel insecure and easily intimated. People who are humble, principled in their dealings and unassuming are often very secure people who promote others. When others try to intimidate you, remind yourself that it is God who put you there for a purpose. At the same time, you can now see for yourself those who are truly insecure and intimidated.