not without honor

Then He...came to His own country, and His disciples followed Him.  And when the Sabbath had come, He began to teach in the synagogue.  And many hearing Him were astonished, saying, "Where did the Man get these things?  And what wisdom is this which is given to Him, that such mighty works are performed by His hands!  Is this not the carpenter, the Son of Mary, and brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon?  And are not His sisters here with us?"  They were offended by Him.  But Jesus said to them, "A prophet is not without honor except in his own country, among his own relatives, and in his own house."  So He could do no mighty work there, except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them.  And He marveled because of their unbelief.  Then He went about the villages in the circuit teaching. ~Mark 6:1-6

How true this is.

God is doing some great thing in your life, yet many of those closest to you discredit, disbelieve, and even ridicule you.  Your heart is changed.  Your path is firm as you step out on the steady hand of God, suspended in His secure palm, immovable, unshakable...the only thing that causes you to wobble are the winds of criticism from those around you, even Christians, that believe you can't possibly be used for any significant purpose.  To them, the concept is laughable.

"They were offended by Him."

There is no encouragement, only skepticism.  So, you open not your mouth and let them think what they want. And you wonder if conversations will always remain shallow.  You attempt to engage them in a deep thinking conversation, but the effort results in lifeless waning and you wish you had kept to the weather.

"...in his own house."

You open your home.  The fruits of God, your love are before their own eyes.  Nothing.  It is somewhat amusing ...or maybe you just laugh because otherwise you might have some other unbecoming response.  So, you settle in your heart that things are the way they are.

"So He could do no mighty work there, except..."

...except a few things that must be done for the sake of the one receiving it.  You minister to your husband, your children.  And just rest in God's smile on you.  After all, it's not about the recognition of men (Gal. 1:10)...even if it would be nice for those closest to you to see your real heart.  Oh well.  

"Then He went about..."

Move on.  Follow Him.  Don't dwell on anything but the truth (Php. 4:8).  Deal graciously with hiccups as they come and  carry on.  There is work to be done.  "And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart." ~Galatians 6:9

God isn't aiming at our mark, He's aiming at His.

Stand fast on your passion and drive for ideals, standards, and non-complacency in making a difference in your world...even when those (however close they may be) who settle for the ways of the world take offense at your convictions.