The barrier of reputation with others
True disciples of Christ will seem so differently motivated to others that they could be accurately described as blind or deaf compared to normal people.4 Though they are exposed to the same information as normal people, they do not respond to it in the same ways. They think, feel, and act differently—according to how they sincerely believe Jesus would in their place, according to their intentional calculation of what benefits all people the most for the longest time, and not according to what feels best for them right now.
One who operates this way will not just seem different to one who does not—they will seem worse. Those who consummately serve God are viewed as marred by those who do not.5 They are not typically seen as nice, loving, wise, just, or selfless. Because greater truth is difficult to see as good, they are instead seen by most as unkind,6 judgmental,7 callous,8 foolish,9 and cruel.10
Those who see more of the truth because they are willing to submit to it will do things that other people can’t understand.11 They will seem to overreact to what others see as minor or non-existent issues.
They will turn over tables and whip people who are conducting what others regard as normal living. They will disrespect unfounded or harmful social norms that others regard as sacrosanct.1035
What the Lord reveals about himself enables you to become more like him. As you become more like him, you will not only enjoy more of the blessings he enjoys, you will also carry more of the cost he pays. The more you learn about and live like Jesus, the more the world will treat you as it would treat the Lord.1036 The more like Jesus you are, the more you will be persecuted by those who are not like him.1037
Footnotes
- 1. And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately (Luke 12:36) ↩
- 2. But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat? And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink? (Luke 17:7-8) ↩
- 3. And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. (Luke 21:34) ↩
- 4. Who is blind, but my servant? or deaf, as my messenger that I sent? who is blind as he that is perfect, and blind as the Lord’s servant (Isaiah 42:19) ↩
- 5. As many were astonied at thee; his visage was so marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men (Isaiah 52:14) ↩
- 6. Jesus told a Samaritan: “Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews.” (John 4:22) ↩
- 7. See Matthew 23. ↩
- 8. In John 11, we read that Jesus intentionally remained away while he knew his dear friend Lazarus was incredibly sick, letting him die in order to demonstrate God’s power in bringing him back to life. ↩
- 9. For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God (1 Corinthians 1:18) ↩
- 10. But Jesus said unto her, Let the children first be filled: for it is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it unto the dogs (Mark 7:27) ↩
- 11. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. (1 Corinthians 2:14) ↩