Should we be respected by the world or hated by it?

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There have been a lot of people in my life who stopped coming over because "they did not want to hear".
Then there are those that look forward to my opinion on matters and ask.
It's the Lords work to work on the hearts not mine we are only a messager. A extension of the one who makes all things possible.
The truth has no respecter of persons. It remains the same for the just and unjust.
Remembering that we were the same once, evil, stiff-necked, blind, cruel, vengeful, ignorant, goes along way when conversing.
Planting a seed is not vain work. It's a privilege. After all this is not our home, nor is it the kingdom in which we reside. Praise God.
 
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posthuman said:
i don't think it follows that honor is arbitrary just because the people of the world are diverse.

isn't it true that all people value things like integrity, honesty, wisdom, kindness . . ?
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mmm no not all people value that, sadly.
some people value that you can lie, cheat and steal then get away with it. And often its people in power.
 
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when you follow Jesus not everyone is going to like you, even when you are being kind and honest.
I learned this very early on in my christian walk.
 
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posthuman said:
probably we are all familiar with this saying,

you will be hated by all for My name’s sake.​
(Matthew 10:22)​

and probably many of us have thought of this, and approved ourselves, when we've caught some kind of flak for standing up for what is right - either for the name of Christ, or for some moral principle.
going further - some of us even have the attitude that if in any way the world disapproves of us, it is evidence that we are 'in the right.' so much so in some cases, that a person will say, anything the world respects, we should respect the opposite, as though having the respect of the world is a sure sign that we are in the wrong. some people seek the disapproval of the world, citing 'woe to you when all men speak well of you' and thinking, we are doing what is right if & only if we find little to no approval for what we teach and do.

however..

Furthermore, he must have a good reputation with outsiders, ​
so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the snare of the devil. ​
(1 Timothy 3:7) ​
​
speaking of qualifications for elders, Paul writes that such a man must have a good report among the world. that an elder should be someone who has respect among those outside the church.


how do we reconcile these -- what kind of life is it that a man or woman may live, such that the world hates us for Christ's sake, but respects and approves of us for the sake of that life & manner of living?
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Having a good reputation with outsiders includes not cheating anyone in business deals, managing debt by not having any or very little, guarding the tongue in not being harsh or mean.

The world values the characteristics of the fruit of the Spirit.


The world just hates when you tell them how you got those characteristics. According to the world you should be a good person with a good reputation because you have worked really hard at it. To tell people that no one is good except God is really offensive to all the people who think they are good...!!!
 
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.............,
11PETER 2:11.
Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;
12.
Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers,
they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.
20.
For what glory is it, if, when you be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently?
but if, when you do well, and suffer for it, you take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.
11PETER 2:25.
For you were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto The Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.
 
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1Pe 4:14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.

For the cause of Christ
Roger
 
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