“If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own. However, because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of it, the world hates you." –John 15:18-19
On a dark rainy night I was driving in an unfamiliar place. As I made a turn, I was faced with cars driving in my direction. I had turned short of my road and was on the highway exit ramp! Fortunately, no accident took place and I was able to adjust my direction.
When we live for Christ, we move in direct opposition to this world. The adventure of living for Jesus is not easy as we dodge worldviews and anti-God messages. I remember an incredible experience at FCA camp. While young lives were being eternally changed, we were unexpectedly faced with an opponent who didn’t agree with our camp. Suddenly our joy was diminished by the oncoming traffic of discouragement from our spiritual enemy. I realized that when we live for Christ, we will face opposition. As believers, we don’t belong to this world, so we can’t expect others to welcome the direction in which we live.
As we live for Christ, we know this world will hate us. It’s going to feel like driving against traffic. But, the One who is in us is greater than the one who is in the world. Living for God isn’t easy, but it is right!
1. Have you ever felt like you were running into the world and its opposing views?
2. Are you OK with the fact that the world hates you, because you love Jesus?
3. Who is helping you go against the flow of this world?
Matthew 5:11-12; Hebrews 12:3; 1 John 4:4
Father, I want to live for You! I know I will face opposition from this world and understand that even my family, friends, or coworkers may oppose me. Give me courage and strength to obediently move forward. Amen.