"How Bad Do You Want to Be Liked?"
September 14, 2016
(Jesus said) "If the world hates you, know that it has hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the Word that I said to you: 'A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My Word, they will also keep yours." John 15:18-20
Russell Wilson is a quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks. His wife, Ciara, is a platinum record-selling, Grammy award-winning singer.
Apparently, at least according to some media magazines and websites, the two aren't good for each other. You see, the problem is this: Mr. Wilson is a Christian man, make that a Christian man who actually practices his faith.
Now you believers might say, "That shouldn't be a problem."
Well, if you feel that way, you should know your attitude shows just how far from practical we believers are. Look, these are some of the things Mr. Wilson is supposed to have done.
1. He is "brainwashing" his wife with his Christian lifestyle.
2. He has asked her to stop dancing provocatively in her videos and live performances.
3. He has influenced her to give up friends (e.g., Kim Kardashian) who might not be good influences on her, him and them.
4. When they were dating and engaged, they decided to honor the sanctity of the marriage bed.
You can see why the world would think this is pretty sad stuff. But, from the unbeliever's perspective, things actually get worse. As proof of Mr. Wilson's brainwashing, his critics are quoting some of the really "crazy" things his wife, Ciara, has been saying. You know, things like
* how happy she is in her marriage with Wilson;
* how she has never felt this good in a relationship until now;
* how they were growing every day in each other's company.
Now the reason I have spent so much time talking about the Christian quarterback and his wife is when Christians don't practice their faith, when they compromise, when they adopt the world's standards as their own, nobody seems to mind.
But when Tim Tebow thanks God for a touchdown or Russell Wilson says the Lord wants him to be a Christian husband -- that drives the world crazy.
I guess we shouldn't be surprised, should we? Like Jesus said, "If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, the world hates you."
So, it all boils down to this question: whose opinion is more important to us -- the Savior who has rescued and forgiven us or the world who wants Christians to compromise?
THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, the world hates You, Your followers, and their witness. Grant that we may always live lives which glorify our Savior and points others to the salvation that comes only through faith in You. In Jesus' Name I pray it. Amen.
