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Christians are backwards to how the world acts. In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus declared “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven” (Matthew 5:11-12). Those who are faithful to the Lord’s will in this life will gladly endure persecution in view of the life that awaits. Jesus refers to those who choose this path as blessed.
In Romans 5:3 the apostle Paul wrote of another way that we are backwards. There he exclaimed, “we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance”. I know of no one in the world who would willingly face tribulation as most do their best to avoid difficulty in life. Christians, on the other hand, take it in stride even to the point of “glory” because we know that it will result in proving our Christian character.
Paul, again in his writing to Timothy, describes the backward nature of Christians when he plainly says, “All who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12). Therefore, we learn that those who make a conscious decision to follow Christ are making a conscious choice to suffer. While the world seeks to avoid problems, tribulation and suffering, Christians seek such out.
Jesus, our greatest example of godly living, demonstrated this backwardness best. When he was beaten, falsely accused, deserted by his friends and ultimately crucified he uttered no opposition. In fact, of the few words he uttered while on the cross perhaps the most poignant were “Father forgive them for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34).
Christians are truly backwards when it comes to how they act and react to things in service to God in contrast to the world. From the scriptures we learn that this is the way God intends us to be. So, being backwards really isn’t so bad.
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