“Look at my enemies, for they are many, and they hate me with violent hatred. Guard my soul and save me; Do not let me be ashamed, for I take refuge in You. Let integrity and uprightness protect me, For I wait for You.”
I don’t have many enemies who hate me with violent hatred…. Is that a good thing or a bad thing?
I know the prince of this world “hates with violent hatred” anything that relates to holiness. I also know that Jesus told His disciples, “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.”
Do I not look enough like Jesus to be hated at times? Do I not sound enough like Him to be rejected occasionally? Do I blend in a little too well with people who have no desire to be righteous?
Scripture says this world is not our home…. We are aliens, foreigners…just passing through. But has the church adopted so many of the world’s habits that we appear to be local citizens? Are we chameleons, who say enough to ease our conscience - but not so much that we stand out in a crowd?
I don’t desire to be hated – but there are opposing forces in this world, and they pursue opposing goals.
It is our job to light up the darkness. Some people prefer darkness - and do not appreciate what the light exposes. So, we cannot always expect applause when we shine, but when it is dark, our light is needed most.
We need to choose this day whom we will serve. Start looking to integrity and uprightness for protection, and stop counting on our own ability to fit in.
It would be easier if righteousness was met with approval…and one day that will be the case…. But that is not the offer here on earth. The offer here is to die to self and live for Christ. Our goal is to please God and pursue holiness.
If it is up to us, we should be at peace with all men - but it will not always be up to us and at times holiness will demand unpopular words and actions.
Saddle up anyway…Speak the truth in love…Walk straight…unashamedly choose your side and wait on the Lord.
“Persecution shows who is a hireling, and who a true pastor.”
- Bernard of Clairvaux
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