What does it mean to be in the world but not of the world? Jesus warned His followers of challenges they could possibly face in life.
As His followers, we know we can depend on God’s love throughout our days. The world’s reaction to Christians though is much less predictable.
“If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first. The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you.” John 15:18-19
We all like to fit in. We like the acceptance of others as they include our involvement in their activities. God created us as social beings. But how much should Christians fit into the things of the world?
In this verse, Jesus didn’t come right out and say they will hate us. It was, however, a concern of His. Look what He prayed for us in John 17.
Jesus’ Prayer for Us
I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. They do not belong to this world any more than I do. John 17:15-16
Satan, the prince of this earth despises the Lord and His followers. So it shouldn’t surprise us if his followers act the same way. Jesus said remember “the world hated me first.”
He went on to say if the world loves you then you are of it. So how do we know if we have more of the world in us than we are supposed to? Is there a fine line between the two?
Occasionally I will post a devotional blog on a secular Facebook blog group. For the most part, people will tolerate them or I might get a comment or two.
I wrote one once I thought was exceptionally good that dealt with salvation. I was unexpectedly shocked by the bombardment of hateful comments it produced. The last time I checked there were 87 in all.
Two people headed up that conversation with very anti-Christian voices. I not only prayed for them but I asked our church to pray for them as well. There are plenty of people and groups who quickly vocalize how much they hate Christians.
We Are In The World But Not Of It
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