A Joke to the World

Overwhelmed with problems, Job became conscious of how other people reacted to him. He felt that he was “a joke” and that others mocked him (Job 30:1). However, through this process, Job discovered important principles of what it means to follow God.

The reality is that our greatest priority is to please and serve God, regardless of how others react. In fact, many heroes of the Bible were mocked and ridiculed. We almost can hear the same tone used by Job when Jeremiah said, “I have become a laughingstock all day long; everyone mocks me” (Jeremiah 20:7).

Yet, as God made clear to Jeremiah and other servants, He wanted His people to focus on serving Him, regardless of what other people said. And not to be surprised if they are criticized.

Jesus taught this principle when He said that being His disciple meant denying yourself, taking up your cross daily and following Him (Luke 9:23-26). This means possibly being treated like outcasts (John 16:2).

In fact, being His disciple is no guarantee of popularity. Jesus Himself foretold that He would be mocked but would triumph in the end and rise again (Mark 10:34).

Even during New Testament times, many criticized Believers because they thought the Gospel was foolish. Paul didn’t argue. In fact, he admitted that he and other disciples were “fools for Christ’s sake” (1 Corinthians 4:10). He knew that God’s wisdom was higher than the world could understand, and that “God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise” (1 Corinthians 1:27).

Many in the world think Christians are laughingstocks. We are mocked and ridiculed. They think we are fools. If this happens to you, don’t be discouraged, or surprised. Renew your trust in God. Focus on standing firm, and serving Him.