February 24 – Out of the World

February 24 – Out of the World

If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. (John 15:19)

Jesus warned his followers, didn't he?  And yet, as Christians, we still don’t understand why we don’t have more power in the world

It’s difficult for us to comprehend why our beliefs aren't easily understood, much less accepted and yet Jesus tells us over and over that we are called out of the world.  Paul tells us that we are as aliens in a strange world.  Our home is heaven, we live here for just a short time.

Jesus goes on to remind his disciples in the next sentence that “Remember … a servant is not greater than his master. If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours” (John 15:20).

What I want to do is encourage you with these words.  When we feel as if the world wants nothing to do with our Christianity, rather than making a scene and pushing back, we have to stop reacting as if it is an attack against us which has come out of the blue.  When we are upset that there is no prayer in schools or that the local courthouse won’t allow a nativity scene or a copy of the Ten Commandments, we have to stop taking it as a personal affront.

Jesus told us that this is the way of the world in which we live.  At the same time, we also must remember that though we are not part of this world, we are called to love.  When we place Him at the forefront of any controversy regarding faith, we can step back and react in love – because love is foundation of our home because God is love.