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How Do I Deal With Mockers as a Young Christian

Writer's picture: joshuasamsonhobdayjoshuasamsonhobday

Embarking on a journey fueled by big dreams, unusual ambitions, or unique pursuits can be an exhilarating yet challenging endeavor, particularly for young Christians. Whether you are chasing an extraordinary goal, carving your path in a distinctive field, or demonstrating righteousness and faithfulness in your daily pursuits at work or school, there's a high probability that you've encountered mockers along the way. If you've navigated the tumultuous waters of skepticism and doubters, this article is written with you in mind. Read on!



In the heart of adversity, Joseph (in Genesis) stood resilient, a testament to the indomitable spirit that flourishes in the face of mockery and doubt. His dreams, woven delicately in the fabric of ambition, were met with skepticism and scorn within the confines of his own family. In the echoes of laughter that surrounded him, Joseph found the strength to endure and the determination to prove everyone wrong.


The familial stage, meant for support and encouragement, became an arena of doubt and ridicule for Joseph. His aspirations were like fragile seedlings met with harsh winds, yet they took root in the fertile soil of his unwavering belief. The whispers of skepticism and the raised eyebrows were mere gusts that threatened to uproot his dreams, but Joseph stood tall like a sturdy tree, bending but never breaking.


Joseph's journey began within the cozy confines of his own home, where dreams should find nurturing soil. However, in the heart of his family, his aspirations faced an unexpected adversary – mockery. Each time he voiced his dreams, the room resonated with laughter, and skeptical glances painted doubt on the canvas of his ambitions. His family, meant to be the pillar of support, unknowingly became the source of skepticism that threatened to dim Joseph's fervor. The echo of their laughter lingered in the air, creating an invisible barrier around his dreams. They dismissed his visions as mere fantasies, questioning the feasibility of his goals with raised eyebrows and condescending remarks.


Undeterred, Joseph transformed this familial ridicule into a catalyst for resilience. Every snicker, every sarcastic comment, and every doubting gaze became the raw material for his determination. Rather than letting the mockery extinguish his flame, Joseph used it as the wind that fanned the flames of his ambition. His dreams became not just personal aspirations but a silent rebellion against the laughter that sought to drown them out.


Ignore the Haters


Picture this: you're on a quest to pursue your dreams, fueled by the fire of your Christian beliefs. Suddenly, you encounter mocking voices, naysayers, and those who seem determined to dim the brightness of your spirit. In those moments, it's crucial to remember a simple yet powerful mantra – ignore the haters.


Ignoring the negativity that surrounds you doesn't mean turning a blind eye to constructive criticism or helpful advice. It means tuning out the mocking voices that seek to discourage, belittle, or undermine your journey. As a young Christian, your path is illuminated not by the judgments of others but by the empowering voice of God.


Listen to that voice – the one that whispers encouragement, affirms your worth, and echoes the divine purpose woven into the fabric of your existence. God's voice is the antidote to the toxicity of mockery. It resonates with love, grace, and the unwavering belief that you are fearfully and wonderfully made.


It's easy to get entangled in the web of negativity, especially when faced with skepticism or mockery. Yet, as a young Christian, your strength lies in your ability to rise above the clamor, to soar beyond the limits imposed by others' perceptions. Your journey is a dance to the rhythm of God's voice, not a cacophony of mocking tones.


In your pursuit of dreams, ambitions, and creative endeavors, let the empowering voice of God be your guide. Let it drown out the mocking voices, for in that divine harmony, you'll find the strength to navigate the tumultuous seas of doubt.


Trust God


The world may throw its doubts and jeers your way, but God's promises remain steadfast. His love is an unshakable foundation, and His guidance is a reliable compass on your journey. It's easy to be swayed by the opinions of others, to let the mockery seep into the cracks of your confidence. However, as a young Christian, you are called to trust God with an unyielding faith that transcends the noise around you.


When the mocking voices rise, whispering doubts and uncertainties, listen instead to the gentle reassurance of God's voice. Trust in His plans for you, plans that are woven with purpose and brimming with hope (Jeremiah 29:11). The Creator of the universe, the One who knows the number of hairs on your head, is intimately acquainted with your dreams and aspirations (Matthew 10:30).


Trusting in God doesn't guarantee a journey free of stumbling blocks or failures. However, it does ensure that even in the face of setbacks, you fall into the hands of a loving and merciful God. The road to success is often paved with failures, but those who trust in God find solace in His unfailing love.


As a young Christian, your trust in God becomes a shield against the arrows of mockery. Let His promises be your armor, and His love be the anchor that keeps you grounded. When the world mocks, when doubts creep in, stand firm in your trust in God. For in that trust, you'll discover a resilience that transcends circumstances, a courage that defies mockery, and a peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7). Trust God, and let His unwavering presence be the melody that accompanies you on your journey.


Make Your Own Kind of Music


I borrow this title from the song called "Make Your Own Kind of Music" by Cass Elliot.

"But you gotta make your own kind of music; Sing your own special song; Make your own kind of music; Even if nobody else sings along."

Imagine yourself as the composer of a piece that reflects your dreams, ideas, and passions. Your music is unlike anything anyone has heard before – it's a fusion of creativity, faith, and individuality. While the world may not always understand or appreciate your composition, the key is to keep composing.


People will continue to mock; that's an unavoidable part of life. But amidst the jeers and laughter, don't be afraid to play the notes that resonate with your soul. Pursue those creative, unique, weird, and uncommon ideas and dreams that set your heart ablaze. The beauty of your melody lies in its distinctiveness, in the fact that not everyone will sing along, and that's perfectly okay.


In the Bible, we find the story of David, a shepherd boy whose unconventional choice of music—a sling and a stone—defied the expectations of those around him. While others may have questioned his choice, David went on to compose a triumphant melody that defeated giants and resonated throughout history.


So, when faced with mockery, remember to march to the beat of your own drum. Let the critics critique, but don't let their dissonance disrupt your harmony. Instead, turn those mocking voices into background noise, and play on. Your composition is a testament to the God-given creativity within you, and as you make your own kind of music, you'll find that there are those who will resonate with your tune.


Work Hard


Your commitment to hard work becomes a testament to the strength of your character and the depth of your faith. It's a silent but powerful response to the doubters and mockers in your life. Instead of letting their words weigh you down, let your actions speak volumes.


As a young Christian, your response to mockery can be a relentless pursuit of your goals. Let your work ethic become a shining example of your faith in action. When others question your abilities or cast doubt on your dreams, let your achievements be the loudest response.


Proving them wrong isn't about seeking revenge or gloating over success. It's about living out your faith in a way that speaks louder than any words of doubt. It's about letting your hard work and dedication create a narrative of triumph and inspiration.


In the end, your journey as a young Christian is not just about proving others wrong; it's about proving to yourself and the world that faith, coupled with hard work, can overcome any form of mockery. So, work hard, let success be your response, and let the melody of your achievements drown out the dissonance of doubt.


Conclusion


Joseph's brothers, who had betrayed him years earlier, journey to Egypt seeking food during the famine. Unbeknownst to them, they stand before Joseph, now a powerful and influential figure. As the dreams predicted, they bow down before him, seeking assistance.

Joseph's response is not one of revenge, but rather a profound act of forgiveness and reconciliation. He reveals his identity to his brothers and assures them that what they intended for harm, God had turned into good. The mockers, who had once scorned him, now bow before him in a moment of recognition and humility.




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