Are you better than Jesus? (Part 2 of 3)

Lately I've been reading through the gospels and I've noticed just how much Jesus contrasts what it looks like to live as a disciple from what we think of as "normal." I've also been challenged with how often he says things like "a slave is not above his master" when describing what being a true disciple looks like. It's as if he actually says we as followers must "follow" his example!

Part 2 of my recent thoughts and questions about this...

2.  Am I hated by people who embrace the worldly mindset of opposing God?  Am I persecuted? 

I’m not saying we should look for ways to make waves.  Rather, as we live as disciples, the natural disconnect in values, priorities, and lifestyle from those who don’t cherish Christ will often take care of that.  In John 17:14-16, Jesus said the world hated the disciples because they actually lived as if they had another citizenship, allegiance, and focus.   Interestingly, in John 15:18-20 and Matthew 10:24-25, Jesus again mentions that a “slave is not greater than his/her master.” (There’s that phrase again!  See Part 1).  He talks as if suffering and slander is a done deal.  Expected.  Automatic.  Disciples will be persecuted by those who oppose God. 

Christians are easy targets these days.  Hated for protests, political stances, boycotts, and bubble-living.  Some proudly boast of the “hate” and “persecution” they endure.  But many times their suffering is not because of Jesus… it’s because of them.  Certainly there is a time and a place to “take stands” but I’ve found that those times in my life are usually not planned.  They just happen.  And more often than not lead to conversation, not conflict.  (Interestingly, 1 Peter 3:15-16 notes another group of people that do not attack, but ask about our faith and are open to dialogue).

When I think “persecution” I often think of physical pain.  Blood.  Agony.  Possibly torture and even murder.  It certainly happens to believers all over the world (check out www.persecution.com).  In the US, “persecution” and “hate” may be manifested differently.  In high school I was not “invited” from time to time.  As a college athlete, I once got my head shaved for not doing a keg stand.  As an adult (especially in a ministry role), I’ll occasionally get stereotyped or treated like “a preacher” (whatever that means).  At times it amuses (and saddens) me when I’m having a great conversation with someone until they find out I’m in “ministry.” Then everything changes.  It’s like I have terminal cancer, am an ex-con, or recovering addict.  They either don’t know what to say or end up saying weird things.  But I’ve thought a lot lately about persecution and what that should look like for me.  Honestly, as an American Christian who lives in the Bible-belt I’m not sure.  What do you think? How have you experienced this or seen it done?

Does my life reveal areas where my love for Jesus (not attention) leads to my being treated with aversion, detest, strong dislike, or disfavor ?  The Greek word for “hate” is where we get the root for “misery.”  Does anyone cause you misery because of your faith?  If not, are you better than Jesus?