When our Lord was on earth, what was the treatment he received? Were his claims acknowledged, his instructions followed, and his perfections worshipped by those whom he came to bless? No. He was despised and rejected of men. Outside the camp was his place. Cross bearing was his occupation. Did the world yield him solace and rest? Foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head. This inhospitable world afforded Him no shelter. It cast Him out and crucified Him.
If you are a follower of Jesus and maintain a consistent Christ-like walk and lifestyle, you must expect the same treatment from the world. They will treat you as they treated the Savior. They will despise you. Do not dream that worldlings will admire you, or that the more holy and the more Christlike you are, the more peaceably people will act towards you. They prized not the polished gem. How should they value the jewel in the rough? If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call those of his household? If we were more like Christ, we would be more hated by his enemies.
It is a sad dishonor to a child of God to be the world's favorite. It is a very ill omen to hear a wicked world clap its hands and shout, well done to the Christian man. when the unrighteous give him their approbation, he should begin to look to his character and wonder whether he has not been doing wrong. Let us be true to our Master and have no friendship with a blind and base world which scorns and rejects him. Far be it from us to seek a cornet of honor Where our dear Lord found a crown of thorns.
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