A discussion with my beloved reminded me of something.
The shepherd man of God does not fit the mainstream social definition of “nice” or even “cooperative.” Once you discard that false sense of obligation, and turn to make Christ your true master, it should start to make sense that “nice” is meant primarily to remove the hedge of divine protection so you can be seduced and subjected to abuse at the hands of the elite.
Stop trying to be nice. Be aware of what people expect, but always conform purely on tactical grounds. Pearls before swine — not everyone is worthy of getting close enough to know you. Not every situation is appropriate for presenting your witness. Most of the time you should avoid notice. Only those you allow to get close will discover what an alien you are.
You are soft before the Lord, and pretty much a hard-head with everyone else. Don’t accept the values and morals of others; God is Your master and He has revealed His morals for you in your calling and convictions. You supplicate no one but God. The fallen mass of humanity around you is hardly in any position to assert their morals over you. It doesn’t require violence to walk in your divine heritage, but don’t be afraid of using it when some fool insists on challenging you directly and physically.
Rage is not from God; justified wrath is. If you don’t know the difference, apprentice yourself to someone who does. As previously noted, it’s not a question of whether you will succeed in the use of violence, but whether it is what God requires of you. But most of the time a calm refusal is enough. Get the measure of your context to know where the boundaries are and when you must use force to defend your clear conscience with God. Trust God to deliver His enemies into your hand, which is what usually happens.
Your witness of God’s grace is not being a sucker for someone else’s definition of good behavior. Worded another way, your witness includes standing strong and firm on what God has commanded you. Don’t worry about shocking and giving offense. Don’t be afraid of other people viewing you as a pain in the ass.
Revel in it.
Yay! Vindication!