Just because you face opposition and hatred or prejudice, don't automatically think that it's because you are a Christian.
You may be disliked simply because you are not very likable.
It's true. Being arrogant, having spiritual pride, being a snob and looking down your nose at those "worldly" neighbors or co-workers is NOT Christ-like behavior.
If you act like that, and a lot of Christians do, no wonder people don't like you.
So analyze yourself. Don't develop a martyr complex. Few of us are good enough to be martyrs.
Here??s something about Jesus' teachings we need to be sure we understand: Jesus told us we are to be IN the World, not OF it. Get that? In, not of.
What does this mean? It means that we are not to withdraw, to break all our friendships and associations with non-believers. It means we are not to hang around JUST with Christians.
Jesus wants you OUT THERE, in the thick of it, making a difference, BEING different so that YOU draw attention to HIM.
In Matthew we??re told by Jesus not to put our light under a bushel but to put it out in the open where everyone can see it. If you just sit in your church with your little band of believers saying ??I sure hope some unbelievers come in today?? you??re going to be waiting a long time.
You have to go out and get them. The church is like a bushel. It keeps you nice and warm and comfortable but, hey, let??s face it, you??re already saved. The church is for sinners. For unbelievers. Go out there and drag them in. Take your light where they can see it and then bring them back here or to your church with you.
That means you have to go out into the world and show it a better way.
Sure, most people will reject you. Most will oppose you. Many will hate you. So what? The world hated Jesus. Be glad to share that with him. But as much as he was rejected, his words always took root with some.
So will your witness.
Just don??t be obnoxious about it.
Author: Mike Wendland
Author Bio:
The author is a pastor at a large Bible-beieving church in the Midwest and the publisher of the Online Christian Shopper (www.onlinechristianshopper.com), a popular shopping site specializing in uniquely-designed Christian T-Shirts and jewelry items.
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