God’s Children Are Chosen Out Of The World

If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. 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 15:18-19

There’s an old Peanuts cartoon in which Charlie Brown is sharing with Linus his ambition to be rich. But, he adds, while he does want to have lots and lots of money, he also intends to be totally unaffected by his vast wealth. Linus, realizing the impossibility of such a goal, shakes his head and says, “Good luck!”

In a similar way, many Christians want both the world’s acceptance and God’s approval. “I want to follow Christ,” the reasoning goes, “but I don’t want my unbelieving friends and neighbors to think I’m weird. I want to live out my faith in such a way that I don’t create waves.”

“Good luck!” Linus might say.

Truth is, if we really align ourselves with Christ, we will be lightning rods for worldly scorn. A few God-fearing souls will love and respect us. But most people will despise us—or at least what we stand for.

Being hated is a Biblical promise that we don’t like to think about. But it’s a promise nonetheless.

GOD’S PROMISE TO ME
• The world will hate you if you walk closely with me.

MY PRAYER TO GOD
O God, I don’t like the thought of being despised and ridiculed. But I want to stand boldly for you. Make me gentle and winsome like Christ. When I am ostracized and criticized for my faith, help me respond in love.