18 “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. 19 If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.
John 15:18-19
Christians are called to be holy - set apart. Set apart from what? From the dominate and sinful worldly system. When we were saved, a process of being made holy (sanctification) began in our lives. The more you grow in understanding and love for God and His Truth, the more you’ll find the trivial things this world offers boring and distasteful. Jesus told us that we are no longer of this world. Because he chose us and the world hated him they will also hate us. If we’re living an obedient life the difference will be noticeable. People will recognize this change and it will not be well received.
This world has a way of life, of spending time and money, of conversing and of seeking pleasure; its way is not always compatible with a redeemed life. The closer we draw to Christ and his Word, the more uncomfortable we will become with the world’s way - and the more antagonistic it will become with us.
These days the world bombards us with the need to be tolerant. Somehow it is a one sided tolerance though. It’s not only okay to judge and criticize Christians, it’s encouraged and enjoyed. Should facts like this be a surprise to us? No. Scripture warns us of the separation we’ll face when we follow Christ. Somehow being forewarned still doesn’t make it any easier though when you just don’t fit in where you used to, or when your relationships with friends and family become distant, judgmental and empty. Those who follow Jesus will experience separation and hostility from the world. When you do, hold fast to Jesus and know that He’s not only been there too, but He’s with you now and will sustain you.
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