Have you ever noticed how people tend to like firefighters more than police officers? Every day, these brave souls are willing to face the flames and put their lives on the line for us—and they don’t issue speeding tickets or take us to jail.
Police officers in Joseph Wambaugh’s novels often say something like this to each other: “Well, if you really wanted people to like you, you should have been a fireman.” While we definitely want the police to be present if someone’s threatening our well-being, we don’t always appreciate seeing their flashing lights in our rearview mirror.
In a similar way, following Jesus doesn’t always draw the admiration of others. While He doesn’t call us to be the world’s moral police force, part of the path that Jesus summons us to walk will cause others to dislike us.
The New Testament warns us, “Everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12). As His followers, we will suffer for advancing His kingdom. In fact, some of the very people we are trying to rescue from the kingdom of darkness and invite into the kingdom of light will despise us.
If you find yourself taking a lot of grief for your Christian beliefs, you’re in good company. Jesus emphasized to His disciples, “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. . . . Since they persecuted Me, naturally they will persecute you” (John 15:18-20).
Following Jesus may not make you popular, but suffering for His sake is a part of the blessing of becoming more like Him (Philippians 3:10).
More:
This is a trustworthy saying: If we die with Him, we will also live with Him (2 Timothy 2:11).
Next:
Check your heart to make sure any persecution you might be under is not self-inflicted by your self-righteous behavior. How do Jesus’ words encourage you in the likely event of persecution in the days ahead?
bethanyF on March 19, 2010 at 6:52 am
I pray that I would look to Jesus and not to myself for life’s answers.
mprez2006 on March 19, 2010 at 9:05 am
i love this!!!!!!!!!!
unionwife on March 19, 2010 at 9:08 am
Every one wants to fit in. But what we as followers of Christ forget sometimes, we already fit in!
Father God, help me to remember that this earth and what is going on in it is only fleeting, and to help me to focus on You. Amen
otstq on March 19, 2010 at 9:20 am
I remembered one of the quotes I noted in my journal that really spoke to me about denying myself and take up my cross and follow Him in my life. Here:
“I’d rather have Jesus than men’s applause. I’d rather be faithful to His dear cause. I’d rather have Jesus than worldwide fame. I’d rather be true to His holy name”.-Miller-
avertedmouse on July 18, 2010 at 3:04 pm
A very nice and meaningful quotes! :)) Thanks for sharing.
MMattke on March 19, 2010 at 11:15 am
This passage John 15: 18-20 , has been a reminder my whole life to the sovereignty of God and that as we walk in the Spirit we will face opposition for we are not of the “world” Praise His name for His redeeming love and power..My sustainer!
Soldier4Christ on March 19, 2010 at 12:49 pm
I thank God that though we are in the world, we are not of the world. We are foreigners walking in this strange land.