“If the
world hates you, be aware that it hated me before it hated
you.”
(John 15:18)
Sally Field won the academy award in
1984 for her portrayal of Edna Spalding, a widow fighting to save her family
farm, in the acclaimed motion picture, “Places in the Heart.” This was her second Oscar and she acknowledged
that winning was sweeter the second time around. “The first time I didn't feel it,” she said, “but
this time I feel it, and I can't deny the fact that you like me, right now, you
like me!”
Most of
us want to be liked. We want to know
that others respect and appreciate us.
That is a common human trait.
Jesus knew, however, that being
true to his heavenly Father was much more important than being liked by the
world around him. In fact, he knew that
being obedient to God would bring out the worst in some people and that was
proven again and again.
We should not
be surprised that following Jesus makes friends and enemies. The cross is a
popular piece of jewelry, but not so popular a way of life. “If any want to become my followers,”
Jesus said, “let them deny themselves and
take up their cross daily and follow me.”
There will be few earthly rewards in such a pursuit, but the blessings
from heaven will indeed make it
worthwhile.
Prayer: Grant me the strength, dear Lord, to
seek faithfulness more than popularity, obedience instead of acceptance. May the
cross of Christ guide my every step.
Amen.
Jim Abernathy
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