John 17:14

Here our Lord gives His guys a “heads-up” to the fact that they, like Him, will experience the hatred and enmity of the wicked in this fallen world. This hatred of the world towards true believers will be found in every generation thereafter as well – we can expect it. The hard of heart and those with calloused spirit will forever condemn and misinterpret the saint. The world’s system hates the true disciple because, quite frankly, they are not a part of it. “Birds of a feather flock together” and there is a certain “honor among thieves” – believers simply do not blend with the system of Satan – nor should they. The high and lofty opinions of the world’s system are the last things a true Christian should expect or desire. James puts it quite forthright when he states:

4 You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. James 4:4 (NIV)

While we are not to court the world’s enmity – a spirit that is not courteous or kind is certainly unacceptable for a believer as we are to be motivated by the high calling of love – at the same time, we are not to be taken by surprise by their disdain. We are to expect their lack of embracing and consider it as following in the steps both of our Master and saints who have walked before us. Christ and His disciples endured such scoffing and opposition and we as the modern day faithful must endure as well. Jesus had already given His guys a warning regarding this earlier in John:

18 “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. 19 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. 20 Remember the words I spoke to you: 'No servant is greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. 21 They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the One who sent me.” John 15:18-21 (NIV)

“Many pretend to be Christians, but they will not endure persecution. Instead of this, they blame others for too much rashness, and not acting prudently enough, to avoid the mockings and hatred of the world. Therefore, they propose to take wiser measures; and, in order to do more good, take great care not to be despised and rejected; but under this pretence of wisdom and prudence, very often lie concealed a dangerous love of the world and fear of man. Be thou nobler minded, live as Christians indeed, and be not ashamed to bear the cross of Christ.” K. H. Von Bogatzky

Believers have a testimony that bears against the world’s practices and opinions. The world feels condemned and hates those who by their living faith condemn it. The more consistent and bold a believer is in his or her words and practices, the sooner they will discover this Truth. Sadly, many of us simply choose to blend with the world’s practices. Indeed, our churches do not look too dissimilar to the world and its shenanigans – statistics prove this to be true. John writes the following warning to us in 1 John regarding our affection towards the world and its seductive influence – we are to continually resist it:

15 Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For everything in the world--the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does--comes not from the Father but from the world. 17 The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever. 1 John 2:15-17 (NIV)

We must remember that this earth is not our home – heaven is. We are journeying through what, Scripture states, will one day all be destroyed. In consideration of this, Peter tells us how we are to live in this world:

10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare. 11 Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives 12 as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. 13 But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness. 14 So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him. 2 Peter 3:10-14 (NIV)

“Surely I am doing a work of righteousness, even in the earth. For I say to you, you are not of the world, even though you are in the world. I will wash your feet and cleanse you from the defilement of the way. I will fit you to walk in a path of holiness. I will put away false doctrine, and you shall hear truth. You shall eat the good of the land. You shall flourish and be made fruitful. Because you have sought Me, I will bless you; I will stand in your midst. I will even joy over you with singing.” Frances J. Roberts