Scripture

1 John 3:12-13 NLT

We must not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and killed his brother. And why did he kill him? Because Cain had been doing what was evil, and his brother had been doing what was righteous. So don’t be surprised, dear brothers and sisters, if the world hates you.

Consider

One big obstacle to living a godly life is knowing that our righteous decisions may antagonize others.

Righteous actions are not always appreciated, especially by those who are attached to their sin. The apostle John says that such people love darkness and hide from God’s light because they fear exposure (John 3:19-20). It follows that when these people reject or ridicule you for your righteous deeds, it is not you they hate but the light that is in you. Your choice to do what is right, what is good and just and forgiving, offends them because it spotlights their sin and makes them look ugly by comparison.

Jesus warned his disciples, “Don’t imagine that I came to bring peace to the earth! I came not to bring peace, but a sword” (Matthew 10:34). When we bring Christ into our relationships, we bring a sword. We introduce a line of demarcation between godly and godless, between standing with Christ or standing with the world. When you choose to follow Me, Jesus goes on to say, you risk antagonizing people you care about. He illustrates his point by describing estrangements within families. “Your enemies will be right in your own household!” (10:36).

These are strong words, but Jesus had a point to make. He was about to send his disciples out on their first mission, into the world where Satan has a stronghold and where they would be daily tempted to compromise their faith. Jesus was drawing the battle lines for them, so they could be clear about their choices.

We face the same choices today. Standing for Christ can be difficult when those we live or work with disapprove of our choices, refuse to understand, or try to tempt us into being dishonest, greedy, or vengeful. Remember at such times that it is Christ who draws the battle lines, not us. It is only for us to choose where we will stand.

Pray

Gracious Father, thank you for your Word, which teaches me where you have drawn the moral and spiritual battle lines in my daily life. Give me wisdom and courage to stand firm for you in the face of others’ resentment, hostility, and ridicule.

Reflect

Genesis 4:8; Matthew 10:34-39

Ponder

What might tempt me to stand on the wrong side of Christ’s battle line?