Most people, even those who are not believers (or I should say, especially those who are not believers), have opinions about how Christians are supposed to live.  Problems arise when people (Christian or not) make assumptions based on personal opinion but are not intimately acquainted with Jesus or know how he lived.  We can cite some of His characteristics such as love, patience, and compassion, hoping to emulate His life; however, if the Holy Spirit hasn’t done major renovation in our secret inner lives, can we truthfully say that we are living as He intended?

If you’ve read many of my posts, I am sure you know that I am deeply opposed to legalism that binds one into constricted behaviors.  At the same time, I believe that born-again believers are new creations in Christ, our lives are being transformed, and the good work God has begun in our hearts He will carry on until we see our Savior face to face (because the Bible says so—see 2 Corinthians 5:17, 3 Corinthians 3:18, Philippians 1:6).

The climate of this world is growing increasingly hostile to Christians and Christianity, though.  Many accuse us of intolerance and hatred because we oppose lifestyles that deviate from God’s intended plans established at Creation, or our defense of every unborn child’s right to life conflicts with their “right” to choose whether a child lives or dies.  I, also, am not naïve enough to think that all who profess to be Christian accept that the Bible is infallible and the revealed Word of God, nor do they believe that God condemns many of the life choices lauded by this world.

Jesus cautioned, “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you.  If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.  Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’  If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you.” (John 15:18-20)

Living or working in a hostile environment is not easy!  But where we live is not so much the concern as how we live—no matter where it is.  Scripture instructs:

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.  For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, ‘The righteous shall live by faith.” (Romans 1:17) 

Our salvation, our faith in God and His righteousness, are foundational to how we live—in our homes, our communities, and our nation.  Trusting the loving-kindness and faithfulness of God enables us to face hostile people or situations knowing that our Father is fully capable and willing to work all things out for our good.  Therefore, we don’t need to respond to hostility with hostility, or anger with anger, or disappointment with frustration.

When I began this post, I did a study on the word “live” and my thoughts (I realize now) centered mainly on how believers in Jesus were supposed to behave and the things they weren’t supposed to do.  And then I read this passage in Romans and in my mind, it clarifies what it means to live by faith:

“Let love be genuine.  Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.  Love one another with brotherly affection.  Outdo one another in showing honor.  Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.  Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.  Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.

“Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.  Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.  Live in harmony with one another.  Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly.  Never be wise in your own sight.  Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all.  If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.  Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’  To the contrary, ‘if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.’  Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:9-21)

Daunting?  Absolutely!  Yet we have this assurance, “His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us to His own glory and excellence, by which He has granted to us His precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire.” (2 Peter 1:3-4)