Not of the World 

   “If you belonged to the world, the world would love its’ own; but because you do not belong to the world, and I have chosen you out of the world, the world hates you.” (John 15: 19) 

   These words, spoken by Jesus to His disciples, are just as applicable to all who are His disciples today.  We will never be accepted by the world just as our Lord and His followers were not accepted.  I don’t believe I should even desire worldly acceptance.  My sole desire is to be acceptable to God.

   History has repeatedly demonstrated the truth of His words.  From even before the Church was formed, while Jesus still walked among us, the majority rejected Him.  The religious leaders of his time appeared more concerned with their own position and well-being than with welcoming their Savior.  Some religious leaders of today suffer from the same sense of pride and self-importance.

   I do not expect worldly acceptance of Christianity to ever take place.  We will remain in the minority and will forever be the pariahs of earthly society.  We are to accept that rejection with the same love and mercy that Jesus showed in all He did while alive in this world.

   The cost of Christianity has always been rejection and hatred by the majority, at times resulting in persecutions, and martyrdom.  It still is today and will continue until Christ comes again in glory.  These are not reasons for despair, but for rejoicing and great joy; to suffer these things is evidence that we truly are not of this world. 

We are not of this world.

We belong to You.

Let us not seek worldly approval.

Let us seek only Your approval. 

Amen