Pathways Press.com

Written by Jennifer Slattery, a contemporary writer and speaker.

[Jesus]  didn’t want [the Apostles]  to ruminate on any rejection they experienced or all the ways they’d “failed.” That doesn’t mean the disciples fulfilled their mission perfectly. Nothing in Scripture indicates that was even a remote possibility. The Bible demonstrates, in numerous places, that they were often faithless, at times prideful and focused on elevating themselves rather than Almighty God.  They were about as perfect, or rather, imperfect, as me and you. Yet, again, He told them to “shake off the dust.” To not let the reactions of equally imperfect humans hinder their confidence or mission. Instead, they were to embrace every encounter as chosen, called and empowered children of God who carried the authority of Christ. Imagine what our lives, ministries, and impact might look like if we lived anchored in those same truths. When God presents us with a new assignment, we experience setbacks, or people don’t respond to us and our efforts as we’d hoped, what if we honestly acknowledged our errors, but did so with our souls filled with the Lord’s grace?  In other words, what if we gave God’s power and presence at work within us more emphasis than our weaknesses and mistakes? That’s not to say we shouldn’t address and learn from our blunders and flaws, but that we view them from a growth mindset and refused to carry the figurative “dust” of yesterday to thwart our obedience and calling.  

As you enter the home, give it your greeting. If the home is deserving, let your peace rest on it; if it is not, let your peace return to you. If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet. Truly I tell you, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town. “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore, be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. [Matthew 10:12-16]