Article By Ericka Brunson // EEW Magazine // Spiritual

Many Christians try to water down their beliefs to be more relatable and end up choosing political correctness over biblical accuracy.

Even though the Bible teaches us to speak truth in love (Ephesians 4:15) and to always be gracious (Colossians 4:6), no matter how loving and graceful you are, being a follower of Christ puts you at odds with the world. You will never fit in!

Scripture tells us we are chosen and peculiar (1 Peter 2:9), so why do so many of us seem to be infected with “Compromise Syndrome” more than we ever have been before?

Just in case you’ve caught this contagious disease, here is a high-potency dose of uncomfortable truth from the scriptures to cure you and remind you that the world will not fully embrace you—and that’s just the way it’s supposed to be.

Matthew 10:22 ESV: “And you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” Jesus warned His disciples that they would be at odds with the world. That warning is for us as well. Let us not shrink away from our beliefs when we meet opposition. If Christ, our ultimate example, was blameless and still persecuted; we shouldn’t expect anything different when we follow in His footsteps. The consolation is, if we don’t give up, we will receive rewards reserved for those who are unashamed of the Gospel.

John 15:19 NIV: “If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.” Those who are worldly enjoy indulging in sinful pleasures. They don’t have very much in common with those of us who are dead to sin and alive to righteousness. After all, light and dark don’t really mix and neither does oil and water. The world’s aversion to us is simply a side-effect of living holy.

“Christ, our ultimate example, was blameless and still persecuted; we shouldn’t expect anything different when we follow in His footsteps.”

Luke 14:27 NIV: “And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.” Just as Christ suffered under the pain and weight of carrying His cross, we must take up our cross and follow Him. That means we will endure suffering and ridicule, and will be shunned at times. Our Savior, though loving, has always been controversial. His teaching, methods and principles don’t align with those of the world.

2 Timothy 3:12 NLT: “Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.” In verse 14 of this same chapter, Paul writes to Timothy, “But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you.” Our belief system comes straight from the pages of the Bible, which is “breathed out by God,” making it fully reliable. We must not turn away from the principles we have learned when we are persecuted by those who neither understand nor agree. It is better to please God than man.

Matthew 5:11 NIV: “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.” When people misrepresent believers, talk bad about us and falsely accuse us because of our faith, Jesus says we are blessed. In fact, according to the very next verse here, we should “rejoice and be glad,” because great is our reward in heaven! Let them talk about you, lie on you and persecute you as much as they please. God will repay you and bless you.

Isaiah 54:17 KJV: “No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgement thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.” The bad news is the attacks will come. But here’s the good news: Christ covers you, so whoever or whatever comes against you cannot destroy you. The Living Word—Jesus Christ—lives within, which guarantees that the assault will not be effective. Since God cannot be defeated, as a child of the Most High, you will always be protected. Walk boldly, confidently and unapologetically with your head held high. Proclaim the good news of the Gospel for all to hear.

James 1:12 NIV: “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” You will be tested. You will be tried. You will be targeted and sometimes, you will feel sick and tired of it all. But don’t give up! You are working toward an eternal crown of life that is laid up for believers who faithfully fight the good fight of faith.

Don’t let the world get you down. Jesus said in John 16:33, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Because He has already overcome, you are forever a victorious overcomer.