If The World Hates You

If the world hates you, be aware that it hated me before it hated you. If you belonged to the world, the world would love you as its own. Because you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world—therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you, ‘Servants are not greater than their master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you; if they kept my word, they will keep yours also. But they will do all these things to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me. If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have sin; but now they have no excuse for their sin. (John 15:18-22 NRSV)

It can be a tough world for Christians who desire to be faithful. You may have friends. But, you will also in all likelihood have a lot of enemies if your first love is Jesus. The world did not (does not) love Jesus and will not love his followers, either.

A few years ago, I knew a young girl who belonged to a Christian group that thinks females should wear long dresses or skirts all of the time.  Wearing a dress has actually become a symbol of faith in Jesus for that particular faith community to the people in the larger community. A woman who dresses in this manner is easily recognized as a dedicated Christian of that particular denomination. This child wore dresses to school all of the time. To put it bluntly; she was bullied quite a lot because of it. 

There will be those who definitely don't like you if you don't conform to the standards of the world around you. Not conforming to the world's standards may (and probably will) even get you bullied and persecuted. You might even accused of not being a "real" Christian and that you are or that you bow down to the anti-Christ.

If the world hates those who strive to be faithful to Jesus and to their call in Christ; if it hates you; remember that the world hated Jesus first. You are in good, real good, company.

God's Peace - Pr. J