Moses had the problem of betrayal leading Israel. The Israelites complained at every step. God gave them water from a rock and they grumbled. There was manna from heaven and they complained - they just wanted to die in captivity instead of being freely following with Moses (Ex. 16-17). The big problem was that Moses allowed their problems to become his - and it was for this reason that he didn't succeed in bringing them into the Promised Land. Maybe we have experienced betrayal... it happens everywhere. In fact, Jesus said that betrayal was a sign of the end times. We can't keep betrayal from happening. Jesus was betrayed countless times. The Good News is that we can learn to ride above betrayal. We can begin to find the Lord arising out of the midst of distress. We see Him take us high above the issues of the moment.

We need to establish our identity in the Lord. He is alive in us to bring healing. We don't need to keep experiencing the pain of rejection and betrayal.  We need to know that Jesus was despised and rejected FOR US (Is. 53:3). Our rejection was paid for at the cross. Just like He was crucified for our sins and we are now forgiven and free, He was crucified for our rejection and betrayal. For us to take back what He bore FOR US negates the work of the cross. The Father turned His back while His Son hung on the cross. Jesus asked, "Why, have You forsaken me?" Then, He said, "It is finished."  The ultimate rejection was finished. Jesus experienced the very worst rejection -- and He gave His life that we would not have to experience rejection. He died to give us LIFE abundantly.

Jesus says that He will never leave us and never forsake us. We will never be forsaken by Him. When Jesus said, "It is finished," He meant it. He accomplished all things for us that pertain to life and Godliness. Jesus totally took our rejection and betrayal. Betrayal can keep our lives in dullness and ineffectiveness. In fact, betrayal can keep you from wanting to go to have goals, from wanting to have friends, and from trusting.

The underlying danger isn't the betrayal itself as much as the fact that we allowed the opinions and actions of others to affect us. The need for approval can loom as a great control of our lives. The apostle Paul encountered much persecution and betrayal. He learned to be outspoken leader and was able to show us a powerful example of pressing past the fragility of emotional meltdowns. 

Let us ask ourselves, "What gives us security and identity?" Is it God and His Word, or other people's evaluation of us? Some people really like to make us dance in insecurity, guilt, and condemnation. They make us feel unworthy. If we depend upon dysfunctional people to give us the approval and happiness we need, then we will be disappointed - a LOT! A lack of self-confidence in who the Bible says we are keeps us addictively seeking endorsements and approval.

And that's one of the main reasons for betrayal! How do you see yourself? The very first step to freedom is to KNOW who you are. You are who the Scriptures say you are! Not who people say. Rejection comes from trying too hard to make everyone like you. The needless performances of our lives must end. Remember... the Pharisees were prideful about how well they could keep the law and follow all the rules. Jesus called them, "White-washed sepulchers!" It's not about our works or being validated! It's about believing what God says about us.

We don't have to perform for the Lord. And what’s more! We don't have to try to make God like us! He already does. God loves us just like we are. He finds us acceptable. He said that he will never leave us. Our job is to believe that He ALREADY loves us - not because of what we do. And, we don't have to perform for other people either.  Betrayal and resulting rejection come from not renewing our mind to these truths. Wrong thinking causes most of our mistakes. What was our motive in the first place? Accepting betrayal and rejection can cause us great setbacks. Our mind-set about ourselves directly impacts our ability to fulfill our purpose.

Scriptures teach us how to think spiritually and change our old thoughts. Where is koinonia? Where is the friendship that the Bible commands? Some of the greatest dangers in allowing betrayal and rejection to affect us are: 

• We become double minded and are unable to please God (James. 1), 
•  We expect people to meet our needs,         
• We try to please people

Healthy relationships with others are important to everyone. It is not healthy to require approval or misplaced loyalty. As we search for koininea and love in the Body of Christ, remember that friendship cannot be bought or controlled. We love the Lord with all our heart and might, and we love others with no expectation of return. That's the agape kind of love. When we become emotionally attached, we must be careful to not place them in a position of power greater that that of the Lord in our lives. Look beyond their exterior and try to understand what drives them. Armed with a sense of purpose, you can accomplish your density. Know who you are and don't allow others to define your life.