In the world, not of it

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

Harsh words from the Bible. "If the world hates you..." Jesus spoke these words to the disciples on the eve of his crucifixion. It seems he was trying to prepare them for the battle ahead. Up until his death, He could reassure them, encourage them, teach them and comfort them. He knew that with his death, their experience would change.

Jesus wanted them to understand that they were going into battle against the world - all those who did not believe that Jesus was the Messiah and the religious leaders who would not receive his message of love over ritual. Jesus wanted them to understand that it was perfectly okay - and in fact good - to be hated or rejected by the world. He knew that those who followed Him would be persecuted for their faith in Him.

How does that compare to us today? As a lifelong believer, I have to be honest, I have not often faced persecution for my beliefs. I've been teased, even since high school, for being a "goody two shoes." Yet, how does that compare to Bartholemew who was crucified upside down, or James, son of Zebedee, who had his head chopped off by King Herod?

Over the past couple years, though, God has challenged me to live more boldly. He has challenged me to go into the world, not just stay in the comfortable cocoon of serving in the church (NOTE: I love serving in and through my church and am thankful for a church home that allows members to be so actively involved). For me, though, God has provided a life of opportunities to live differently in and among "the world."

What has happened since I stepped out of the cocoon and into the world? I am still labeled "goody two shoes" :)... funny how time doesn't change much. I find myself having to choose to live out of my faith rather than respond "in the flesh." It is very hard!

Among my Christian friends, conflict is fairly easy to resolve. When a fellow Christian confronts me, they do so in love and they desire the best for me and for the situation. Facing conflict outside the church has been far more difficult. I find myself wanting to fight (and I do, occasionally). Yet, I also want to stand apart. I want to fight God's way - with love and concern. I realize it doesn't have to be my way, that it isn't all about me and my voice.

In the world, I lose a lot of battles. Not as much gets accomplished. But, I also find that my life does make a difference. People notice when I act differently - and they ask why I would do such a thing. People notice my joy - and they seek me out when they need encouragement. People recognize my calmness in the storm - and they ask my opinion.

It hurts when people treat me unfairly. It hurts when people are mean for no good reason. "If the world hates you..." Jesus never promised an easy road for Christians. At the same time, He asked us to be a light in the darkness. He knows that lost people need believers to share His love with them.

I have always loved the opportunity to share Jesus' love with others. These past couple years, though, stretching and going into dark places I wouldn't necessarily choose for myself, I am filled with great joy. Knowing that people notice the difference in me - and seek me out from time to time - is the most amazing experience. Getting to share His love, His truth, with people... there is truly nothing like it.

Jesus asks us to be a light in the darkness. He knows it's not easy. But, He never leaves us.