True disciples are misfits, oddballs, ‘peculiar people!’ Why? Because they are intentionally weird? No! Because they are beloved of their Father and called to His higher purposes, no longer loving the things that ‘the world’ loves. The “world” is Jesus’ short-hand for the systems around us that are built around getting wealth, gaining power, enjoying pleasure, serving Self. When the Spirit reconciles us to our Abba, we love Him more than ourselves, more than this life. That changes us, makes us noble, altruistic, loving; and markedly different - which sets us up to be hated.
Joseph’s brothers hated him, not because he was cruel, not because he was judgmental, but because he was blessed with his father’s favor! (Genesis 37:4) Likewise, Jesus told His disciples that they would be hated by the world because of their Father’s favor. “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.” (John 15:18-19, NLT) That is not one of my favorite verses. I enjoy having people say nice things about me. I like to fit in and be accepted. Don’t you?
I know some ‘Christians’ who take pride in the fact that their family has rejected them or that they are reviled by coworkers, but when I look at their lives even as a fellow disciple of Christ, I don’t like them! Their experience of rejection has nothing to do with being a disciple. Rather, they invite ridicule and rejection by being rude, or cruel, or hypocritical, or because they are a terrible worker! Peter’s first letter is written around the theme of suffering for the sake of Christ. In it he tells us to make sure the insults are not invited by our sinfulness or stupidity! "So be happy when you are insulted for being a Christian, for then the glorious Spirit of God rests upon you. If you suffer, however, it must not be for murder, stealing, making trouble, or prying into other people’s affairs. But it is no shame to suffer for being a Christian. Praise God for the privilege of being called by his name!" (1 Peter 4:14-16, NLT)
As America becomes less and less ‘culturally Christian,’ true disciples will find themselves living as ‘outsiders’ more often. The natural desire for acceptance will cause us to want to accommodate ourselves to the world around us. But we must not love the world’s affirmation more than our Father’s approval. The Word urges us to keep our distinctive love for Him intact, no matter the pressure we feel. "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." (Romans 12:2, NIV)
What is your highest value, disciple?
Do you spend much time and money trying to fit in, being fashionable, following fads?
If so, it’s time to re-discover the One who is our True Center! "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter (completer) of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:2, NIV)
Here’s a word from the Word that will deeply challenge you as you grasp the truth in it. May the Spirit give us ears to hear His words. It was originally penned by Peter to slaves who had become disciples! They were not told to ‘assert their rights!’ Their calling, as is ours, was to live in God’s love, awaiting His redemption. What a challenge. Will you embrace it?
"Of course, you get no credit for being patient if you are beaten for doing wrong. But if you suffer for doing good and endure it patiently, God is pleased with you. For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you.
He is your example, and you must follow in his steps. He never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone. He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly." (1 Peter 2:20-23, NLT)
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