Some people act differently than others. I think we can all agree on that. Some, when insults are hurled at them, would retaliate with a barrage of their own. Others might get angry and strike out at the offending party.
Those of us that follow Christ are called to follow a different path. Listen to these words of Jesus recorded in Luke 6:27 - 28 (NLT):
“But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. 28Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you.
These words that are recorded in God’s Word are available for all to see, believers and non-believers alike. So, when we do not adopt the ways of Christ and a knowledgeable non-believer sees us, we are adding to their convictions and dishonoring the name of Christ.
No, it’s not easy, but it is necessary if we are going to win a dying world for our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We must look different from them. We must strive every day to look more like Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit.
12Watch out, brothers, so that there won’t be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart that departs from the living God. 13But encourage each other daily, while it is still called today, so that none of you is hardened by sin’s deception. 14For we have become companions of the Messiah if we hold firmly until the end the reality that we had at the start. Hebrews 3:12 - 14 (HCSB)
SEEK FIRST THE
