Just Like Him

Sunday, June 12, 2011

by Dr. Paul Chappell 

"If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me. If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloak for their sin. He that hateth me hateth my Father also. If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had not had sin: but now have they both seen and hated both me and my Father. But this cometh to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated me without a cause. But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me: And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning."

John 15:18-27

The world criticizes Christians because they see the hopeful difference in our lives.

The world is full of critics. As someone once said, "To avoid criticism, do nothing, say nothing, be nothing." It seems as if no work can be done without receiving criticism. As Christians, we understand the criticism this world throws at us for seeking to live godly lives.

Perhaps you've experienced firsthand the world's criticism. Whether it's through a mocking coworker, an intimidating boss, a blasphemous neighbor, or even a random stranger, the world is full of critics of Christianity. How should we respond to such attacks? Even with our strongest guards up, criticism can cut deep.

Consider God's advice for dealing with critics, "If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you." The world criticizes us because it first criticized Jesus thousands of years ago.

How blessed we are to be worthy to be criticized as Christ was criticized! An odd statement to some, but as God points out, the world criticizes us because we are not like the world. We are mocked because we are different than the culture of corruption surrounding us. We are belittled because we have a heavenly hope and a higher purpose for living. We are not weighted with the chains of sin, but are alive unto God's blessings.

Are you facing criticism because you are a Christian today? Are you burdened by the words of a lost world? Don't be! Take heart in knowing your life is having an affect in others. The devil doesn't like your testimony and is seeking to discourage you. Don't believe the world's critics, but hold fast to the hope you have in Christ. You are being distinguished just like Jesus.