Most of us think of the fruit of the Spirit as a private list.
Love. Joy. Peace. Patience. Kindness. Goodness. Faithfulness. Gentleness. Self-control.
Nine nice words to hang on a wall.
But what if Paul wasn’t handing us a personal development checklist?
What if he was describing a compatibility code?
How to protect your reputation when you're under spiritual, personal, or public attack—drawing wisdom from Nehemiah 6. When you're building something meaningful, resistance is inevitable. Rather than reacting to gossip, slander, or false accusations, the biblical approach is to stay grounded in integrity, avoid petty arguments, trust God for vindication, and keep your hands on the work. With a bold, minimalist tone inspired by Seth Godin, this piece challenges readers to remain faithful to their calling in the face of character assassination and distraction. The higher you build, the louder it gets—but your persistence is your protection.
We love the idea of building.
The thrill of starting something new. The excitement of vision, calling, purpose. The sense that we’re participating in something bigger than ourselves.
But what happens when opposition shows up?
What happens when the enemy sees what you're building and decides it’s worth tearing down?
Most people hesitate. They assume that if an idea is truly from God, it shouldn’t require a fight.
Nehemiah knew better.
Let’s be honest—rejection is tough. That gut-punch of “No thanks, we’re good without you” can leave you questioning your worth, your efforts, and sometimes even your purpose. But what if rejection isn’t a full stop? What if it’s a divine opportunity? What if being canceled, overlooked, or unappreciated is actually positioning you for something greater?
Greg Epstein was recently unanimously elected by his fellow university “chaplains” to be the chief chaplain at Harvard University.
The only problem is, Greg Epstein doesn’t believe in the existence of God.
This all makes PERFECT sense right?!!
Let’s rewind.
Harvard University was founded in 1636, making it the oldest institution in higher learning in the United States. The school was started by John Harvard, a Congregational minister, who gave half his estate and books to the school. It was pastor John Harvard’s dream to educate clergymen unto the glory of God for the excellence and expansion of the Christian faith.
Now, the new lead pastor of the school does not believe in the expansion of the Christian faith nor the promotion of any religion whatsoever. Greg Epstein’s religion is non-religion. His practical savior is self, and he believes that the absence of a higher power points to the significance of humanity being its own practical and functional savior.
Ridiculous or wildly unreasonable is the definition of absurdity.
Enter the age of pseudo modernism, the erratic cultural response to logic.
This is like making an Amish dude the CEO of Google or a Desert-Dwelling Lizard the captain of the swim team.
Here are some questions for you:
Can a nation be saved in a day?
Your answer: ___________________________.
How long will it take for Jesus to save the institution of higher learning in America?
Your answer: ___________________________.
Do you believe it is redeemable?
Your answer: ___________________________.
Is there a remnant at Harvard University?
Please comment below.
