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.1 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.2 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,3 judgmental,4 callous,5 foolish,6 and cruel.7
Those who see more of the truth because they are willing to submit to it will do things that other people can’t understand.8 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.9
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.10 The more like Jesus you are, the more you will be persecuted by those who are not like him.11
Footnotes
- 1. 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) ↩
- 2. 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) ↩
- 3. Jesus told a Samaritan: “Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews.” (John 4:22) ↩
- 4. See Matthew 23. ↩
- 5. 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. ↩
- 6. 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) ↩
- 7. 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) ↩
- 8. 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) ↩
- 9. The graven images of their gods shall ye burn with fire: thou shalt not desire the silver or gold that is on them, nor take it unto thee, lest thou be snared therein: for it is an abomination to the Lord thy God. (Deuteronomy 7:25) ...that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God. (Luke 16:15) ↩
- 10. If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you.... (John 15:18-19) ↩
- 11. But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name's sake (Luke 21:12) ↩