The World's perception of Christians
In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the
unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the
glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 2 Cor. 4:4
We, as Christians, must live in this world and it is a struggle everyday. You may be blessed to work only with Christians, live only with Christians and have family and friends that are all Christians but even then non-believers are part of your daily life.
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. John 15:19
Living among non-believers is difficult so sometimes we try to fit in. We keep our Christianity to ourselves. We might laugh at their jokes, join into their gossip, even party with them so they will think we are "normal". It is sad that many Christians feel they must do this.
Christians are judged more harshly than any other religion, atheists, or agnostics. We know that other religious groups are allowed to do and wear whatever they want to in schools and at work. They are allowed to close down streets and pray, but Christians are not. If we were to tell another religion that they can't do something, that would be discrimination, but Christians can't pray in schools, put up Nativities in their towns (even though we are supposedly a Christian nation and are celebrating the birth of Christ). Christian private business owners can not refuse to serve someone based on their beliefs even though other business owners can reserve the right to not serve someone.
Why is this? Look at the verse from the bible that I listed at the top. The devil has blinded them to the truth. These other religions are not a threat because they are false but Christianity is the one and only way to salvation so the devil must do all he can to stop it.
Do not be surprised, brothers, that the world hates you. 1 John 3:13
You may not think you are being watched, but do one thing "wrong" and the world will say sarcastically, "They said they were Christian." They judge everything we do and everything we say. So do we keep our Christianity a secret? Absolutely not!
In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:16
Christians have and will always be persecuted and part of our persecution is dealing with this type of prejudice. We should not hide our light. We need to tell our stories. We should be open, above board and honest in all our dealings and let people know that we are trying to live as Christ lived and yet we will fail because no one is perfect. When they talk about the viciousness of the Old Testament, talk about the New Covenant that Christ brought in the New Testament. We can be brave, bold and kind to those who judge us.
Kindness in the face of judgement and criticism is not easy. We are being watched whether we know it or not. What we do and say will have an impact. Kindness will help it be a positive one.
Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. Eph. 5:11
We, as Christians, must live in this world and it is a struggle everyday. You may be blessed to work only with Christians, live only with Christians and have family and friends that are all Christians but even then non-believers are part of your daily life.
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. John 15:19
Living among non-believers is difficult so sometimes we try to fit in. We keep our Christianity to ourselves. We might laugh at their jokes, join into their gossip, even party with them so they will think we are "normal". It is sad that many Christians feel they must do this.
Christians are judged more harshly than any other religion, atheists, or agnostics. We know that other religious groups are allowed to do and wear whatever they want to in schools and at work. They are allowed to close down streets and pray, but Christians are not. If we were to tell another religion that they can't do something, that would be discrimination, but Christians can't pray in schools, put up Nativities in their towns (even though we are supposedly a Christian nation and are celebrating the birth of Christ). Christian private business owners can not refuse to serve someone based on their beliefs even though other business owners can reserve the right to not serve someone.
Why is this? Look at the verse from the bible that I listed at the top. The devil has blinded them to the truth. These other religions are not a threat because they are false but Christianity is the one and only way to salvation so the devil must do all he can to stop it.
Do not be surprised, brothers, that the world hates you. 1 John 3:13
You may not think you are being watched, but do one thing "wrong" and the world will say sarcastically, "They said they were Christian." They judge everything we do and everything we say. So do we keep our Christianity a secret? Absolutely not!
In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:16
Christians have and will always be persecuted and part of our persecution is dealing with this type of prejudice. We should not hide our light. We need to tell our stories. We should be open, above board and honest in all our dealings and let people know that we are trying to live as Christ lived and yet we will fail because no one is perfect. When they talk about the viciousness of the Old Testament, talk about the New Covenant that Christ brought in the New Testament. We can be brave, bold and kind to those who judge us.
Kindness in the face of judgement and criticism is not easy. We are being watched whether we know it or not. What we do and say will have an impact. Kindness will help it be a positive one.
Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. Eph. 5:11
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