Why is there such a dichotomy between the world which God created and the followers of Jesus whom God recreated in Christ? It seems that both were created in His image; both were created for an intimate relationship with Him; both long for redemption (according to Rom. 8). So why the enmity between the two worlds?
Ultimately the answer lies in the fact the world, mankind, that God created rejected Him to become their own God. That's the temptation Satan placed before Eve, "Eat of this fruit. Your eyes will be opened and you shall be as God." Since that time all of mankind has made the same choice. With that rejection comes separation, which leads to the enmity. The world now has a new ruler, Satan.
Followers of Jesus are called out of the world, to live by a different standard, a higher standard, a selfless standard. The Bible term is "holiness," which simply means, "set apart for God's purpose." Living to that end and purpose sometimes requires separating ourselves from the norm, taking a stand, refusing to participate in unethical business practices or to go along with the crowd/peers. Such actions often bring conflict, confrontation and conviction.
The hedonistic, self-pleasing, self-serving attitude of the world is in direct opposition to the self-sacrificing, giving, serving attitude to which God calls His followers. The world persecutes the standard of God to protect its own self interest.
The more I grow in Christ, the more I find myself in opposition to the world's pursuit. The more I'm open to the world's persuasion, the more self-serving I become. Nobody wants to be rejected. Nobody wants to be persecuted. Everyone wants to be accepted and loved and valued. So my dilemma is to cave to the world or live fully to Christ. God promises me acceptance, love, purpose, meaning, eternal life, a crown of life if I remain faithful to Him. Surely with God's help I can withstand the blows of persecution. I'm reminded that Jesus said, "Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world." God, I'm hanging onto that promise. Help me withstand the fiery darts of Satan, to live fully unto you. Help me to be the light in the darkness that shines with your love and good news.
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