My grandmother tells me of a time when neighbors looked out for each other’s kids, and when one didn’t have, the other stepped in and offered to share what they had. Things were not easy, but she remembers this time with fondness and always tells me that people were very different then than they are now. I wasn’t around back then, but even so, I understand the contrast she’s making. Even the Apostle Peter who lived thousands of years ago referred to those living in darkness during his time as a ‘crooked generation’. Imagine what he would say of those living in darkness today.
In John 16:33(ESV), our Master Jesus taught his disciples about their mission and the kind of opposition they would face. He said, “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” This was tremendous comfort to believers living during that time, and it is for those of us living today. It’s no secret that many people today are full of anger, bitterness, and spitefulness. They have not come into the light of Christ and have allowed themselves to be controlled by darkness.
There may have been times when you’ve experienced their negativity on your job, in the grocery store or mall, and in some of the other places you frequent. Perhaps someone is mean and nasty to you for no apparent reason. They might look you in your face, make eye contact, and not even smile or say ‘hello’. It’s strange, and it makes you ask yourself, “Did I do something wrong?” or “Why does this person talk to others and treat everyone else nice but not me?”
Jesus Christ teaches us in John 15:19(NLT), “The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you.” This doesn’t mean that every unbeliever will dislike the child of God, but many will, and for no other reason than the fact that we carry the light of Christ. Light exposes darkness, and many in the dark want to stay there. So, when a believer is in their presence, the spirit that is working in them is threatened because it doesn’t want to be exposed.
I’ve experienced this firsthand, and I know many other believers have as well. Ephesians 6:12 tells us that we are not wrestling against a flesh and blood individual. Our battle is a spiritual one, against the spirits of darkness that are trying to keep people separated from our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Now that I know the truth, I understand that it’s really not them, it’s me! It’s what we carry that makes those in the dark uncomfortable and fearful.
2Corinthians 5:20(NLT), “So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!” People of the world are ambassadors for the world, just as we’re ambassadors for Christ. We must recognize that they are doing and acting exactly the way darkness is meant to do and behave because we do not serve the same God. So, anytime that you’ve done absolutely nothing wrong, and you question yourself about how someone is treating you, the answer is “yes it’s you, not them.” People that are under the influence of satan don’t like the light. Yes, as believers there will be times that we will be mistreated and disliked, but it’s an honor and a privilege because of what Jesus Christ did for us. Because of what he accomplished, we must stand boldly on God’s Word and be confident that we will always have the victory.■
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.
“Yes, It’s You, Not them!”, written by KLizzie, edited by Reverend Fran Mack, for Sundie Morning Sistas ©2021. All rights reserved. All done to the glory of God through Jesus Christ, our Lord! SMS is dedicated to inspiring and encouraging Christian Women through the Word of God.