Devotion - The world doesn't recognize us

1 John 3:1-What marvelous love the Father has extended to us! Just look at it—we're called children of God! That's who we really are. But that's also why the world doesn't recognize us or take us seriously, because it has no idea who he is or what he's up to. (The Message Bible)

The scripture says that the world does not recognize or understand us, Christians. It stems from the very fact that we are the children of God and citizens of the kingdom of light whereas those who don't know Him belong to the kingdom of darkness (1 Peter 2:9). Eph 2:6 - And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus. What a privilege, what an honour that we should be called the sons and daughters of the Almighty God and to have a personal relationship with Him.

Therein lies the difference between the Christian and the non-Christian. But what kind of distinction is this? To some its the all white dress code or a "no jewellery, no make-up" outfit. To others the difference is based on denominational lines. I think such issues are not a criteria for salvation nor fair highly in the spiritual scale. The real distinction is one of the heart and attitude of the believer.

Why doesn't the world understand us. I think its because we differ in four important areas:

1. Perception of Life. The people in this world are usually concerned for the now and for the present life. The Christian on the other hand is concerned about the life hereafter and hence his perception of life is that it is transitory. Heb 11:13-16 - "Each one of these people of faith died not yet having in hand what was promised, but still believing. How did they do it? They saw it way off in the distance, waved their greetings, and accepted the fact that they were transients in this world. People who live this way make it plain that they are looking for their true home. If they were homesick for the old country, they could have gone back any time they wanted. But they were after a far better country than that—heaven country. You can see why God is so proud of them, and has a City waiting for them." On his deathbed William Carey's last words were. "...when I am gone, say nothing about Dr. Carey -- speak about Dr. Carey's God." This is a man whose perception of life was different.
   

2. Priorities in life. Because the Christian sees life as transitory, his priorities are different. While the people of the world are striving to achieve the 5Cs (houses, cars, a good career,social status) and a better life here, the "christian whom the world didn't deserve" invests his time, talents and treasures in the affairs of God and His church. His priorities are based on Mathew 6:33 and 1 John 2:17-17. He delights in the Law of the Lord and not on the things of this world. Strangely "all these things will be given to him as well."

3. The Principles in life. The Christian's value system is based on the Bible. While it does not bother most people in the street to lie, cheat, offer bribes or bear the works of the flesh, for the christian, whom the world does not understand, sin is a serious issue. He thus "hides God's Word in his heart so that he will not sin against God" (Psalms 119: 11). His conscience convicts him every time he sins. His attitude to sin will be that of Joseph's, "How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?” (Gen 39:9). He longs to bear the fruit of the Spirit. Its a process of dying to self, servanthood, sacrifice and obedience. His main ministry is not being in the forefront but rather being transformed into the image of Jesus Christ ( 2 Cor 3:17- 4:1). Obeying God's Word is life's governing principle. Such things are unfamiliar to the world.
4. Perspective in Life. The Christian realizes that nothing happens in his life by chance. God is in control and he totally submits to His will and leading.

· Romans 8:23 - And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

· Job 1:21 - “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised.”

· Isa 26:3 - You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.

Perhaps a man whose life whose life was exemplary was John Wesley, Anglican clergyman, evangelist, and co-founder of Methodism. The most phenomenal aspect of John Wesley's life was his rigorous preaching career. Traveling between only about fifty cities, he is estimated to have journeyed over 250,000 miles, and to have preached some 42,000 sermons. During most of his life, John Wesley made his land journeys on horseback or on foot; only in his later years did he sometimes travel by carriage. However, the roads in his time were rough and often dangerous. It was only his devotion to his God and to the people that motivated Wesley to face as much as 70 miles of travel in a normal day.

Nor was Wesley's compassion limited to his preaching. The following entry was recorded when he was 81 years old.

• Tues. 4. -- At this season we usually distribute coals and bread among the poor of the society. But I now considered, they wanted clothes, as well as food. So on this, and the four following days, I walked through the town, and begged two hundred pounds, in order to clothe them that needed it most. But it was hard work, as most of the streets were filled with melting snow, which often lay ankle deep; so that my feet were steeped in snow-water nearly from morning till evening: I held it out pretty well till Saturday evening; but I was laid up with a violent flux, which increased every hour; till, at six in the morning, Dr. Whitehead called upon me. His first draught made me quite easy; and three or four more perfected the cure. If he lives some years, I expect he will be one of the most eminent Physicians in Europe. (Journal, 1785)