Willie Torres Jr.

The Conclusion

Since I was a child, I felt like an outcast, that I didn’t belong. It was a feeling that followed me everywhere, with friends, family members, in school, in sports, even in church. I’m sure some of you can relate. Whenever I thought I had finally found something I was good at, something that could make me stand out and get noticed, I would jump in and push myself to do my best. I wanted desperately to be seen and accepted, to be part of a group, to belong. When I found something that I was actually good at, I was overjoyed. It felt like a new world opened up for me, one where I could get the attention of my family, friends, and even the church. I was desperate for Recognition—for people to finally see me. I had never felt truly visible before and I was determined to seize this opportunity to make sure I was seen. I put every effort I had into this, hoping to finally be appreciated and accepted. Even now in church or in ministry, I often catch myself wanting to take the credit whenever something good happens, but I quickly remember that the glory belongs to God, not me. It can be hard to hand God the trophy and not be able to carry it myself. It’s like being in the Olympics and getting a silver or bronze medal and having to stand there with your head down because you didn’t get the gold. Even though it’s sometimes difficult, I’m thankful for the opportunity to Recognize God’s greatness and to humbly bow down before Him. 

The past six years of my life have been full of difficult choices, but I have been learning how to use my experiences and faith to glorify the Lord. As a Christian, we should be filled with joy and gratefulness for being chosen and used by God for His work. We should never feel ashamed of our faith, but rather use it as an opportunity to be a beacon of light for others. To rejoice in the Lord and to be humble in our actions and attitudes is a great blessing. We should be proud of our faith, but mindful of the importance of humility. 

God has done amazing things in my life. He has used me to do things I never thought I was capable of doing, and for that I am incredibly grateful. He has given me spiritual gifts that I am meant to use to spread his word and messages. I am now focused on using these gifts to evangelize, lead, and deliver his messages and, if I am being honest, teach, even though I initially never saw myself as a teacher. His faith and grace have been with me every step of the way, and I am determined to use these gifts to their fullest potential. The fear of rejection is a powerful emotion that can lead to feelings of insecurity and inadequacy. It’s the constant question of why won’t someone else see me or understand me? It’s a fear that can cause us to doubt ourselves and not pursue things that can lead to success.

The bigger question that I face is whether I need to be seen or accepted by anyone other than God. It can be difficult to be liked, loved, respected, or Recognized by others simply because I choose to follow God. What is more important to me is understanding my duties and responsibilities as a servant of God. Knowing this, I can focus on doing God’s will and not worry about the opinions of others. Ultimately, I can take solace in the fact that God sees me and accepts me for who I am.

Leading people to Christ is a calling and a privilege, but it’s not something we can force upon them. Forcing someone to go to church, read the Bible, or get saved is not an option. Instead, we can inform them of the life-changing power of Jesus and His ability to bring redemption to those living in sin. We can do this by setting a good example, living our lives in a way that testifies to His transforming grace, and speaking of His love and mercy with conviction. As a sinner myself, I’m a living testimony of God’s redeeming power and the hope that He offers to the worst of us, of which I am one of the worse.

Yes, we are called to love our brothers and sisters, love our enemies, and even love those who persecute us. But we must remember that our ultimate goal is to bring honor and Glory to God. We can do this by planting seeds of faith, building strong and meaningful relationships with others, mending broken relationships, forgiving those who have wronged us, and speaking truth in love to those around us – not for our own benefit, but for the glory of God. Our love and our actions should always strive to bring honor and glory to God.

Matthew 5:43-45 – New International Version – (NIV)
43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.

When we are persecuted, judged, or laughed at, how do we respond? It is natural to feel anger, frustration, and a desire to defend ourselves. However, our response must be rooted in love rather than in anger. We can fight back by being loving, compassionate, and understanding. We can show them that we are willing to forgive and that there is no need for hostility. We can show them that love is more powerful than any judgement or persecution. We can demonstrate that our love is unconditional and that it is stronger than any negative emotions they may be feeling. We can choose to love them more and more, no matter what they may do or say. In doing so, we will not only be showing them our strength, but also sending a message of hope and peace to the world.

Growing up, I heard the phrase “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me” more times than I can remember. It was a phrase that was often used to help children cope with the idea that hurtful words, while they may sting, can never actually cause any physical harm.

We all want respect, love, and appreciation, especially from the people closest to us–our parents, brothers, sisters, spouses, and even our children. But this isn’t always easy to come by. In fact, it is often one of the most difficult things to obtain. We may do everything right, yet still be met with indifference or even hostility. This can be incredibly discouraging, especially if we are already struggling with self-esteem issues. We may start to doubt our own worth, assuming that if these people don’t value us, then we must not be worth anything. This is not the case at all. We must remember that our worth and value come from within, not from the opinions of those around us. Even if the people closest to us don’t show us the respect, love, and appreciation we desire, we can still strive to love and appreciate ourselves.

The truth is, being a Christian is no easy task. Just because someone gives their life to Jesus Christ does not mean that all of the sudden life will be perfect, and all their worries and problems will disappear. The Bible and church tradition may both serve as guides for living a good Christian life, but neither of them makes any promises of an easy life. Rather, they provide support and strength for believers to keep going through the toughest of times. Being a Christian requires faith, perseverance, and courage; it is not a path of ease, but rather a path of spiritual growth and development. The rewards of being a Christian may not always be immediately apparent, but they are certainly worth the effort.

However, it is important to remember that Jesus faced immense trials and tribulations on our behalf and should serve as an example to us of how-to-live-in-faith. Despite the criticism and mockery that He faced, Jesus never wavered in His commitment to God and His mission. He never shied away from speaking the truth and telling people about the Words of God. 

Matthew 27:29 – New American Standard Bible – (NASB)
And after twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on His head, and a reed in His right hand; and they knelt down before Him and mocked Him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!”

But Jesus made it clear that if we want to follow Him, we must be willing to accept the consequences. We must be willing to stand up for our faith and be unashamed of the gospel. We must put our trust in the Lord, knowing that He will never forsake us and that He has a plan for our lives. 

By taking the time to pray, talk to God, and pay attention to our life activities, we can ensure that we are honoring Him in all we do. This is something that we should strive to do more of, as it is a great way to show our appreciation for all that He has done for us.

You do not need the approval of others to grow and develop. If you feel that you need Recognition, approval, or acceptance to grow, you are further away from your own growth than you might expect. I know this from experience. I often feel emotionally impacted when I am attacked for my faith and belief in God. However, I take comfort in knowing that by following my faith and beliefs, I am honoring God, uplifting my community, and helping others. This gives me strength and courage to continue my journey. I hope that one day people can understand that there is a greater good that I am striving for and that it is possible to disagree without tearing somebody down. It is only through understanding, compassion, and love that we can truly uplift the world. Until then, I will remain committed to doing what I believe is right, despite the criticism or persecution I may encounter.

It is unfortunate that I have not yet reached the level of faith that I would like to have or believe I ought to have. Despite this, I am not trying to rush the process of spiritual growth; I am not in a race. I am not looking for admiration or attention from others in regard to my quick transformation, nor am I striving to be a role model for others. I am not attempting to cultivate a sense of God within myself; rather, it is the Holy Spirit that resides within me. In this way, I am reminded that I am never alone in my journey of faith.

I have come to understand that I cannot control the changes in my life, but that God is in control. He is the one who will ultimately decide how my life will go, and I am content to let Him lead me where He wills. If He wants me to take on a leadership role, He will provide me with the resources and support I need to do it. If He wants me to gain knowledge and wisdom, He will direct my steps and open the door for me to learn and grow. I no longer feel the need to control my life and its trajectory, for I have come to the realization that God is the one who truly holds the power and I am just a vessel for Him to use.

Psalm 18:2- English Standard Version
The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

No matter what we may think the purpose of our lives is, God has already planned out how it will turn out. His timing is perfect and He has already determined the outcome, not based on our own plans or ideas, but according to His will and intentions. We may not understand why certain things happen the way they do, but we can trust that God is in control and His plans will be fulfilled in due time. He knows the paths that we should take, and He will guide us on our journeys. 

We often find ourselves discouraged and disheartened when our growth stops, or when we don’t get the Recognition, we feel we deserve. We may even feel like failures, or that we are not good enough. But we must remember that God has a purpose for us, and His timing is perfect. He will bring us to where we need to be, and He will do it for His glory. Therefore, when we encounter challenges or feel discouraged, let us remember that God is in control, and He will bring us to where we should be. Let us trust in His timing and not be discouraged, for His plans are always good. 

When we fall short of reaching our goals, or don’t get the Recognition we desire, it can be easy to feel discouraged and like we are failing. Satan takes advantage of this weakness, but it is important to remember that God has a purpose for each of us in His own time and for His own glory. We should not be discouraged by a lack of outward success but focus instead on God’s plan for us. His purpose is greater than our own, and it is only through His will that we can find true success and contentment. It can be easy to be envious of others when we think about their ability to communicate, pray, worship, or memorize scripture. We may look at them and wish we had those same gifts. But what we must remember is that God created each of us in our own unique way and gave us our own Spiritual Gifts to use. Knowing and understanding our Spiritual Gifts can help us to understand our individual strengths and weaknesses and how we can best serve God and others. Therefore, it is important that we take the time to ask God to reveal our Spiritual Gifts and use them to their fullest potential. This can help us to honor God, better serve others, and ultimately bring glory to Him.

“He made us different because together we can make a difference.”

1 Corinthians 12:7-12 – New International Version
7– Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. 8– To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, 9– to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 10– to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. 11– All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.

Unity and Diversity in the Body
12– Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ.

The pursuit of Christlike living is not a challenge or a race against the clock. It is a journey of Faith and Obedience that we must take with humility and gratitude. We should not be looking for Recognition or rewards from others, but rather embrace the journey as an opportunity to grow in our faith and become more like Jesus.

The true reward of this journey is Eternal Life when we are in Christ and give our lives to Him.

The sooner we learn to accept that we are New Creations in Christ, the better off our lives will be. When we do, we can experience Christ’s grace and mercy, and truly become one with Him. Living a life devoted to Jesus Christ is our calling as Christians. When we come to him, we should be willing to put our trust in him, willingly placing our lives in his hands. We should be willing to say, “Lord, have your way with me. Let your will be done.” We should be ready to accept his guidance and be willing to let him lead us in the right direction.

Living a life of Love, Joy, Peace, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, and Happiness can be difficult in a world filled with mockery, criticism, laughing, pointing fingers, and judging. We must learn to respond with love, even when it may seem impossible. We can do this by showing grace and mercy to those who mock, criticize, and judge us. This does not mean we must accept or tolerate their behavior; rather, we can show love by praying for them and understanding their own struggles. We must also learn to forgive those who hurt us, and remember that our own happiness is not dependent on the actions of others. We can choose to create our own joy and peace in each moment, no matter what is happening around us. When we live our lives with love, joy, peace, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and happiness, we will be able to spread these positive vibes to those around us, and in turn, create a world filled with love and kindness.

2 Timothy 3:12 – Amplified Bible – (AMP)
Indeed, all who delight in pursuing righteousness and are determined to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be hunted and persecuted [because of their faith].

We can trust in the Bible to provide us with the answers we seek. In its pages, we can find the wisdom and knowledge we need to navigate our lives. It is a reminder that God is always with us, providing us with the strength and guidance to persevere through the most trying situations.

When faced with difficult conversations or debates that touch upon our faith, it is important to remember that God will provide us with the words to say. It is essential to stay true to the teachings of the Bible and to rely on God’s words, rather than the words of others. If it is not God’s words, it is best to bite our tongues and remain silent.

Living a Heavenly life is a gift and a privilege. It is not something to be taken lightly. We should never stoop to the level of the world and its temptations, as it can lead us astray from our true purpose. Instead, we should embrace our faith and use it as our foundation for living. Our faith should be the basis of our walking, talking, and growing. Our faith will guide us on our journey through life and help us to make decisions that are in line with God’s will. We should be thankful for the spiritual gifts we have been given, as they are a sign of His love for us. When we use our faith as the basis for our decisions, we are living a Heavenly life. It is perfectly normal to feel embarrassed when you are ridiculed. No one enjoys being mocked, and no one likes to be the object of derision. That feeling of shame is so powerful that even the Man who walked the earth and claimed to be God’s Son experienced it. He was called a pagan, a liar, and the father of lies. People accused Him of having a demon in Him and said that everything He said was blasphemous. Yet He persevered and showed us all that it is possible to overcome the embarrassment and humiliation of being ridiculed. Despite the provocation, he did not respond with anger, aggression, or fear. Instead, he was secure in his faith that God would protect and avenge Him. 

Jesus taught us to love others, even those who have hurt us. He taught us that we should pray for them and forgive them in order to show Godly Love. This love is unconditional and should be given to everyone regardless of who they are or what they have done. We are called to follow the example of our Father in Heaven, who loves all of His children. As disciples of Christ, we must strive to love as He does, and to extend that love to all people. This is the only way to be true to the teachings of Jesus. His command to love one another is the foundation of our faith and should be kept in our hearts always.

It can be difficult to not get angry when someone hates, mocks, or criticizes you for following Christ. It can be even more difficult to show love, pray for them, and speak truth to them in the face of such hostility. However, it is essential that we follow Jesus’s example, even when it is hard, and strive to show love, pray for them, and speak truth to them. We must also allow the Holy Spirit to touch them in the same way that He has touched us and allowed us to experience the joy of knowing Jesus Christ as our Savior. Our love, gentleness, humility, and kindness are the example that our neighbors can see and feel. Through our love and the fruits of the Spirit, our neighbors can come to understand the love and mercy of God. We can be the spark that ignites the flame of faith in their hearts. Through our love, we can bring them to a greater understanding of the Lord and his love for all mankind. 

It is up to us to do as it says in,
James 1:19 – Berean Study Bible – (BSB)
be quick to listen and slow to speak and slow to become angry; and in …

Colossians 3:23 – English Standard Version
Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.

Let Me Pray For You …

Heavenly Father,

Lord, thank you for all the things that you have given us and continue to provide for us. You are gracious with your gifts and a blessing on our lives. Even when we fail to realize it, You Father, are the giver of every good thing we receive. Help us to attribute all the Praise, Honor, and Recognition to you rather than claiming it for ourselves. Just as John the Baptist did, let us make You greater and ourselves less than, so that all those around us can see that you are the one who deserves all the glory. Let our lives be a testimony to your greatness and show others that it is not I, but Christ through me. In Jesus Mighty and Wonderful Name, I Pray, Amen.

Galatians 2:20 – English Standard Version – (ESV)
I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Thank you for joining me on this journey of exploration and learning. I know it was a lengthy post and took time to complete, but my hope is that it has blessed you in some way. To God be all the glory—I seek no recognition for this post, study, or lesson. I trust that the Lord guided me through this process, and whether it served as a personal lesson for me or a message for you, I pray that you find meaning in the words shared. As this series comes to a close, I encourage you to share this with others, save it for future reflection, or consider exploring the book linked below.

May the Lord Continue to Bless you today and always, and remember that You Are Dearly Loved.

Willie Torres Jr.

If you feel inspired and uplifted by this content, please consider supporting my work at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/willie13. Every contribution helps me create more of what you enjoy!