Accused

"Accused You gave me victory over my accusers." Psalm 18:43 NLT

Accusations can sting-especially the false ones.

Norris couldn't believe what he was hearing. "Didn't you know she was ____?" "Couldn't you smell ____ on her breath?" It was bad enough that he'd just had his wife confess unfaithfulness and tell him she didn't love him anymore. Now the spiritual leaders of the church he pastored were accusing him of a cover-up. But he didn't know she was ___. And he had not smelled _____ on her breath. He had his suspicions-but no solid proof. There was nothing he could do but resign.

I've experienced a little of what Norris tasted. I, too, remember a time when a comment I made was taken out of context, and it almost cost me my job. Being falsely accused hurts-and can bring with it a high cost.

What the psalmist was accused about, we aren't told. The missing information isn't important though. He trusted God to give him victory over his accusers.

Jesus was familiar with false accusations too. When He cast out demons, the religious authorities said He was empowered by the prince of demons. False accusations eventually led Him to the cross.

Early Christians also knew about false accusations. Ironically, they were accused of being atheists. Not because they didn't worship or believe in any god but because they would not acknowledge the Roman Caesar as god nor believe in the Roman pantheon of gods.

False accusations are a part of life at some moment during the journey. They may or may not have anything to do with my faith, but more than likely they will. Those who accuse have ulterior motives. Perhaps they want my job. Maybe they hate the morality that comes along with my belief system.

Jesus responded to false accusations by making Himself as a sheep going to slaughter: silence. Reacting with anger, cursing, or other forms of violent behavior won't do the trick. Nor will appealing to my legal rights. These things will only serve to damage my witness before others.

The best course of action is to turn the matter over to God. He said vengeance belonged to Him-not me. Praying over the matter and praying for the person making the false accusations will bring peace to my soul and keep me from doing something that will hinder the cause of God.

If you're falsely accused, let God handle the situation.

Martin Wiles Hodges, South Carolina, USA