Accused

   Have you ever been accused of wrongs you did not commit? I know I have, and I think many people have. How should we act when we are accused of things we haven't done?
   Once again God give us an answer through his example. In Mark 15 Jesus is brought before Pilate. The Sanhedrin had just told Pilate about Jesus. Pilate asked Jesus "Are you the king of the Jews?" (Mark.15.2). Jesus answers by saying "You have said so" (Mark.15.2). Jesus doesn't say "yes." He could have but he didn't. Why?
   Jesus knows that this must happen. He knows what will happen next because he is God. He does not want to go through the pain of being separated from God, but he still does it. Jesus has the whole picture. When we go through these times we wonder "why is this happening?" When God is saying "just wait till you see what I have in store for you."
   But, the accusations don't end there. In Mark 15:3-4 the chief priests accuse him of other things. Pilate asks Jesus if he wants to say anything. Jesus doesn't answer and Pilate is amazed. Jesus keeps his mouth shut even though he didn't do anything that these men were accusing him of.
   When we get in an argument or are accused of things what's one of the first things we want to do? We want to defend ourselves. Then after we defend ourselves what happens? We get into an argument and things become worse. People then become offended and relationships are ruined.
   It does us no good to try to reason with people whose minds are so clouded that they only care for their own needs. Our actions speak louder than our words. We could yell, scream, and accuse back but in the end that will make people think that those accusations are correct.
   People can taint what we own, our reputations, and even our relationship with others. But, one thing people can never taint is our relationship with God. God knows who we are. He knows our character. It may be hard to keep our mouths shut when we are being accused of wrongs but in the end we will be rewarded in heaven.
   So, how do you act when you are accused of wrongs? Are you following Christ's example? Does your good character show when no one is looking?

   Mark 15:2, Isaiah 54:17, Romans 12:19

   Image from here.