Don't be an Idiom! Be a Black Sheep!

"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me"  (Matthew 5:11).

Oftentimes, I buy jewelry pieces to reflect my Christian beliefs.  It's a good reminder to me on a daily basis that I am a Christian, and I should strive to ALWAYS act like one!  When I saw this black sheep pendant from Mignon Faget, I just could not pass it up.  Usually the term "black sheep" has a negative connotation; however, just as God works to illuminate good through His people here on Earth, I chose a positive outlook on this "black sheep".  I thought about how there are several times in the Bible when Jesus prophesies that people of the world will ridicule and persecute believers (as seen in the verse underneath the picture above).  Jesus blesses His followers and encourages us to forge ahead.  

I hope you are encouraged as you read this.  Verses 12-16 of the book of Matthew state the following:  "Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.  You are the salt of the earth.  But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.  You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.  Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."

Another interesting fact about the phenomenon of the black sheep is that it is rare and is considered to be a product of a much less dominant gene.  In the world we live in today, true Christianity is oftentimes a rare gem.  I hope that you "wear" your Christianity proudly and share the Gospel through your actions.  The Bible implores us to "not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says" (James 1:22).  Like James Brown once sang, "Say it loud!  I'm black and I'm proud!"  ;)

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