Are you a victim of the SMEAR campaign being waged by narcissists?
Consider yourself to be a pristine piece of glass. Additionally, you have been living a model life. Someone dropped a large amount of tar (used to build roads and coat and preserve wood) on you one lovely day, staining every crevice and surface. Imagine what the glass would seem like today if it weren’t as clear as the morning dew! The tar that was spilled on top of that glass and marred the entire surface is now the only thing that can be seen there. The tar daubed on it also obscured the identity of the glass. That clear shiny glass which sparkled in the light, which made the heart of many glad, now lie dormant underneath that resinous substance. Only the glass is aware that it is alive and is undamaged within; but those that gaze upon, see only the black top. Now when the light is up, there is no more of that sparkling, only darkness and shadow of the valley of death.
Thou clear hearted one; you think your life is over and there is no more future for thee! Everyone, who used to come near to bask in your glory, now refuse to even come your way. In a matter of time, they all forgot your dwelling place. Their love for you was only a shadow that passed by. You thought while you had the glory upon, that they loved you wholeheartedly; but now you realize that they were all nothing, but a bunch of selfish parasites. Those who at one time sang your praises, now speak evil of you. What have you done to deserve this? Even the vilest offender is spared from the wrath, but look at you. Why art thou afflicted? You’ve been deprived of and are cast aside. Or, was it because that you were considered by God as that exclusive, to even receive his testimony just the way he testified to Satan about the righteous man Job? Probably that must be the reason; that is definitely the very reason. Satan is mightily jealous of you, which means you are in whom God delights in. You have a beauty that surpasses your understanding. No man can see what God sees. He sees your heart, your soul which is far more precious than fine rubies. Child of God don’t be dismayed; thou rest in God. Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator (1Pet 4:19).
Reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory, which shall be revealed in you (the effect of being persecuted)(Rom 8:18/James 5:10/Heb 12:6-11/1Cor 11:32/2Thes 1:4,5/Luke 17:1/1Pet 4:1,2,12-14/Matt 5:10, 11/13:21/Luke 6:22,23). Let us not be weary in well doing; for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not (Gal 6:9). And the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while* (by that you might partake of His holiness/ and that you might be counted worthy of the kingdom of God/ that you be spared from the wrath to come – Heb 12:10,11/Job 23:10/2Thes 1:4,5/1Cor 11:32), *make you perfect, establish, strengthen, settle you (1Pet 5:10). Listen: For whom the Lord loves he chastens and scourges every son whom he receives. If ye endure chastening, God deals with you, as with sons. For what son is he whom the father chastens not? But if ye are without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. Furthermore, we have had fathers of our flesh, which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. Now no chastening for the present seems to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless, afterward (if ye endure – verse 7) it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them, which are exercised thereby. Wherefore lift up the hands, which hang down, and the feeble knees; and make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed (Heb 12:6-13).
For consider him (the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus) that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds (Heb 3:1/12:1-4). My brethren count it all joy when ye fall into diverse temptations/trials (James 1:2,3/1Pet 4:12). Every branch that bears fruit, he purges it, that it may bring forth more fruit (John 15:2/Heb 12:10,11/2Tim 2:15,21). Blessed is the man that endures temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him (James 1:12). Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God rests upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part, he is glorified (1Pet 4:12-14). Know this: For he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God (1Pet 4:1,2). Trust me in this my friend, for I speak by the authority that is vested in me by God. The troubles that you are in are rare opportunities to develop yourself in Christ. Every branch that bears fruit, he purges it, that it may bring forth more fruit (John 15:2). It is indeed a privilege, isn’t it?
And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name (Acts 5:41). Know that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world (1Pet 5:9). You are not alone my sister/brother in this ordeal; when you suffer, all the other members of the body of Christ also, suffers with you. Whether one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honored, all the members rejoice with it (1Cor 12:26). Otherwise, what do you think that made me write this? As one of the members of that mysterious body, your afflictions affect the whole body, even its head, which is our Lord. When they sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, they sin against Christ (1Cor 8:12).
This spiritual body functions exactly as the natural body does. But this celestial one comprises of living human beings that are born again, whose head is the Lord from heaven. Because the body is Christ’s, and you and I are only the members of him, any ordeal is not meant to destroy you alone, though it is transmitted to you personally. It is then an attack directed to Christ and not to you in particular. Of course, crippling a major body part is ample to impair the whole body.
From whom (Christ) the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supply according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, makes increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love (Eph 4:16). We all know how swiftly the whole body in unconditional love reacts with its counter measures, when a speck of dust falls into one of its eyes. If an eye, a tooth, or a finger is hurt, we know how it affects the whole body. The same is with this spiritual one too. Rejoice knowing that, we are partakers of the suffering of Christ (1Pet 4:13). If so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together (Rom 8:17).
Those that tried to mar the glass by throwing tar upon it had no notion that the evil they thought and done against, God meant it unto good (Gen 50:20). Psalms 105:19 states: until the time that his word came: the word of the LORD tried Joseph. The clear glass was extremely brittle, but now, it is as strong as a reinforced metal due to the amount of tar that is clinging to its outer shell. When you were clear and shiny, were you not always worried about getting stained? But now with the tar or the stain on top, you can face even the worst without having any sort of fear.
Dear clear glass, rejoice, when you for doing good, and for abiding in the truth being traumatized, or evil spoken: for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you (1Pet 4:12-16). Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake. Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets (Luke 6:22,23/James 5:10). Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perishes, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ (1Pet 1:6,7).
All of the humiliations that you endure* (which is for a while – For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, work for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory – 2Cor 4:17) *are not to destroy, but to make you perfect, establish, strengthen, and to settle you (1Pet 5: 10/ that ye might also be partakers of his holiness and that ye yield the peaceful fruit of righteousness – Heb 12:5-11/1Pet 4:1,2,12-14). Even the captain of our salvation was made perfect (according to the flesh) through sufferings (Heb 2:10/5:8,9). Let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing (Phil 3:16/4:9). Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm your-selves likewise with the same mind (1Pet 4:1/2:21). He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he opened not his mouth (Isaiah 53:7/Ps 22/69). Blessed is the man that endures temptation (trials): for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him (James 1:12).
Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience. Behold, we count them happy (Blessed) which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job and have seen the end of the Lord (James 5:10,11). Look unto Jesus the author and finisher of your faith (build yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost – Jude 1:20/James 2:17-22); who for the joy that was set before him ENDURED THE CROSS, DESPISING THE SHAME, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For, consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds (Heb 12:2,3). By faith Moses, when he was come to years (mature in spirit – Heb 5:13,14/1Pet 2:2), chose rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt (Heb 11:24-27).
Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight (bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ – 2Cor 10:5), and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience* (let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing – James 1:4 – Because thou hast kept the word of my patience – Rev 3:10) *the race that is set before us (Heb 12:1). Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For, my yoke is easy, and my burden is light (Matt 11:28-30). Christ beckons us to come to him and bear his burden, which is light and to carry his yoke, which is easy.
After the initial big hit on thee, the rest of the stigma that may creep upon, the tar on thee will bear. By the time you reach the next phase, you will already be established in the love and faith of God, by which you can quench all the fiery darts of the wicked (Eph 6:16). Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom (Col 3:16/James 1:21). There hath no temptation (trial) taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it (1Cor 10:13). In your patience possess ye your souls (Luke 21:19).
For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things, ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter (2Cor 7:11). And have in a readiness to revenge all disobedience* (the works of darkness – pulling down of strongholds, casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought (that hears you) to the obedience of Christ – 2Cor 10: 4,5), *when your obedience is fulfilled (2Cor 10:6). For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise (Heb 10:36).
Always keep in mind that, you aren’t alone: ye are come unto mount Zion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, and to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaks better things than that of Abel (Heb 12: 22-24).
Be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might (by his Spirit in the inner man – Eph 3:16), according to his glorious power, unto all patience and long-suffering with joyfulness; giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son (Col 1:9-13). Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves (2Cor 13:5).
All the persecutions and tribulations that ye endure: are a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer (when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord (Heb 12:5-11), that we should not be condemned with the world – 1Cor 11:32): Jesus said, it is impossible but that offences will come/because of the word of God which dwells in you – Luke 17:1/Matt 13:21/Col 3:16 – Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you; And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ (which stumble at the word, being disobedient/who would turn their ears from the truth – 1Pet 2:8/2Tim 4:3,4): Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day (2Thess 1:4-10).
But you remain in love and war a good warfare. For, Charity suffers long, and is kind; charity envies not; charity vaunts not itself, is not puffed up, doth not behave itself unseemly, seeks not her own, is not easily provoked, thinks no evil; rejoices not in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believeth all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Charity never fails (1Cor 13:4-8). Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; that ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven (Matt 5: 44,45).
The Bible tells us that, he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit; even so, it is now (Gal 4:29). So, this pain that you go through is a sure sign of your life in Christ. If they persecuted our master, they shall persecute us too (subject to hostility and ill-treatment because of their religious belief’) (John 15:20/Gal 6:12/5:11/2Tim 1:8/1Pet 4:12-14/Phil 3: 10). If the world (those who are not born again, heathen, pagan, carnal mind, non-believing Christian) hates, you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. All these things will they do unto you for my name’s sake, because they know not him that sent me (John 15:18,19,21). Therefore, be of good cheer. He that overcomes (the world, sin and flesh) shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son (Rev 21:7/Rom 8:14).
God alone knows that you are clear inside. Let people comment about anything. Dear clear glass, thou art still the same, just as you were created and fashioned by the Spirit of God. These resinous substances that have come upon thee, are, but for a moment which works for you a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory (2Cor 4:17); and it also acts as a shield and a protective clothing, a blessing in disguise, indeed. It is one of God’s ways of preserving you. So, don’t be downcast anymore. For you are precious in the sight of God. Next time, when the enemy fires his best shot; no matter how powerful the weapon is that has fired the round; the armor of God (Eph 6:10-18), that is upon thee will work as a shield to bounce off any of his fiery darts. The armor of God when worn conceals all of your vulnerable areas. By the time you come out enduring your appointed ordeal (James 1:12/2Tim 2:3/4:5/Heb 12:7), you will find yourself being clothed with all the necessary armor and strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man (Eph 3:16), having a readiness to revenge all disobedience, after your obedience is fulfilled (2Cor 10:6). The God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, establish, strengthen, settle you (1Pet 5:10). There’s no easy way/shortcut to holiness.
All these trials that you are led to go through is to strip your old self which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts (Eph 4:22/ 5:26/1Pet 4:1,2/Heb 12:10,11), and to be clothed upon with a new one (Col 3:10/Eph 4:24). It is how the Spirit of God circumcises our hearts (circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit – Rom 2:28,29), which is the seal of the righteousness of the faith (Rom 4:11,12), so that we might be able to love the LORD our God with all our heart, and with all our soul, and that we may also live (Deut 30:6).
For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds by Christ. And our hope of you is steadfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation (2Cor 1:5,7). Always bear about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. For we, which live are always delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh (2Cor 4:10,11).
Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution (2Tim 3:12). For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps (1Pet 2:21). When we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world (1Cor 11:32). If we suffer, we shall also reign with him (2Tim 2:12). And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together (Rom 8:17).