'I knew you when...'

Image by Brandon Christopher Warren via Flickr

Isn't this the carpenter?
Mark 6:3

Be careful around those who love to say, 'I knew you when...' in an attempt to label or limit you. When David volunteered to fight Goliath his faith was an embarrassment to his big brother Eliab, an officer in King Saul's army. Eliab was probably thinking, 'If my little brother wins everybody will ask, "How come you didn't go out and fight him?"' Understand this: your decision to step out and follow God will put pressure on others and the first place you'll feel it will be amongst those closest to you, especially if your calling sets you apart, and takes you to a higher level. The Bible records that Eliab 'burned with anger at [David] and asked, "Why have you come down here? And with whom did you leave those few sheep in the desert? I know how conceited you are and how wicked your heart is"' (1 Samuel 17:28 NIV). Before David could overcome Goliath he had to overcome the thoughts and opinions of those around him and you will too!

Look at the life of Jesus. When He went back to His hometown they said, 'What's this wisdom that has been given him, that he even does miracles! Isn't this the carpenter? Isn't this Mary's son...And they took offence at him. Jesus said to them, "Only in his hometown, among his relatives and in his own house is a prophet without honour." He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them. And he was amazed at their lack of faith' (Mark 6:2-6 NIV). Bottom line: be careful around those 'who knew you when.'

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