But for the sake of my name I did what would keep it from being profaned in the eyes of the nations in whose sight I had brought them out.
Exodus 20:14 (NIV)

I have a vivid memory of being at a high school football game. While at the game I happened to strike up a conversation with a kid from another school who was hanging out with friends from our school. There was a natural affinity between the two of us and I ended up introducing myself to him.

“Oh, yeah, I’ve heard of you,” he said. “You’re the guy who always calls the cops and tells them where the parties are to get people in trouble.”

Apparently my reputation as an outspoken follower of Jesus and my lack of participation in said parties led to me being scapegoated as the snitch anytime a party got raided. I was shocked by this since it was utterly false, but it would not be the last time it happened.

Throughout my life journey, I have experienced seasons in which I found out that I was the object of slander which is defined by the American Heritage Dictionary as “a false and malicious statement or report about someone.” It is never fun, but it has taught me three important life lessons. First, positions of leadership of any kind in any human system inherently come with a target on your back. Second, you can’t control what other people say about you, and running around trying to do so is a fool’s errand. Finally, and most importantly, I am called to simply press on following in the footsteps of Jesus and His example of operating daily in the fruit of the Spirit. This includes, of course, forgiving and blessing those who slander you.

“Father, forgive them. They don’t know what they’re talking about.”

In today’s chapter, God gives the elders of Israel a message through Ezekiel in which He walks them through the history of His covenant relationship with them. There’s a repetitive cycle in which God gives them His guidelines for life, they refuse to follow the guidelines, and God acts in response to their unfaithfulness. In each case, He states that their slanderous rejection of Him “profaned” His name. Zeke even makes mention of specific instances in which Kings of Israel took God’s specific guideline to consecrate the firstborn and twisted it into justification for actual pagan child sacrifice. And in each case God acts and responds “for the sake of my name.” In other words, the actions of His people were slanderous, but God continued to press on being God. As Paul described it to Timothy, “When we are faithless, God is faithful because He can’t help but be who He is.”

In the quiet this morning, I spent some time thinking back on my own seasons and acts of unfaithfulness to both God and others. I asked God for forgiveness, and thanked Him for both His faithfulness and forgiveness. Then, I thought of specific individuals who I know have slandered me over the years, consciously choosing (once again) to forgive them, and praying a blessing over them. That’s what Jesus has gratefully done for me ceaselessly. How can I not do the same?

If you know anyone who might be encouraged by today’s post, please share.