But it so happened, when Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall, that he was furious and very indignant, and mocked the Jews. Nehemiah 4:1

Whenever someone does something that others do not like they are often mocked and ridiculed. People will do whatever it takes to try and discourage and stop others that they do not agree with or like. The process of mocking will often include telling lies and false rumors, making fun of the other or anything else possible to discredit the person and get them to fail.

As the Israelites were rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, Sanballat was angry and began to mock them for what they were doing.

Believers are to build up walls of morality, holiness and righteous living in the towns, cities and nations in which they live. They are to be set apart, separate from the wicked and sinful ways of the world, clothing themselves with Christ’s righteousness and putting up barriers to keep themselves from participating in sinful activities.

Immediately upon building these walls of protection on their lives, the world will begin to mock believers. Sometimes this is directed at a specific individual, while other times it is to believers as a whole. Watch many television shows, movies, and read books and magazines to see how the world will mock true Christians.

Upon being mocked, many believers will back down and stop building the walls. Some will give in and begin to let the world into their lives, sinning on purpose against God and His standards of living.

Instead of giving in, believers need to group together to hold each other up and keep on building those walls together, allowing God to spread His hand of protection over them. A choice to obey and follow God rather than the world must be made.

God has shown you how to live your life in Christ Jesus through His word. You are to live a life that is holy and separate from the world.

The more you choose to stand for God and build His wall, the more the world will choose to mock you and try to destroy you. The world does not want to lose you to God and will do whatever they can to make you stop and return to sin. Don’t give in, but lean on God, His word and the Holy Spirit to guide you and give you strength to build a holy and righteous life in Christ Jesus.

Today I pray that you will know Jesus as your Lord and Savior; that God will give you strength when the world mocks you; that you will turn to God for strength as the world attacks; and that you will be able to build walls of holiness in your life and the lives of those around you.