Struggling Along in an Ungodly World

If you spend much time out in the world, you find out quickly that the world stands in stark opposition to your Christian walk and standards. In fact, if you are attempting to live out your Christian faith, you will discover many out there find every opportunity they can to take shots at your faith. It’s easy to get down about the situation and even find yourself struggling along trying to survive in the ungodliness of the world we are in.

Most every day you will come across those who make comments about you and to you; those who push the envelope nearby you with course jokes and jesting just to try to antagonize you; and, of course, you can’t forget those who find it sporting to actually openly ridicule you for your faith.

Jude assured us this would happen and even warned that it would grow in intensity as the day of the Lord approaches. He wrote: “In the last time there will be mockers, following after their own ungodly lusts” (Jude 1:18, NASB). The jokes, the jesting, the ridicule, the intimidation is all to be expected, if you are truly living out your faith.

Jude continues talking about these particular people by telling us: “These are the ones who cause divisions, worldly-minded, devoid of the Spirit” (v. 19). In other words, their jesting and mockery of the things of God are a direct revelation of their true nature of worldliness and absence of the Spirit of God within their hearts and lives. Keep in mind that their mockery is truly aimed at God; you are merely the servant through whom they are able to cast it.

Instead of allowing these individuals to create hardships for you or becoming judgmental or even condemning towards them, keep in mind what Jude tells us to do. He encourages us to: “Have mercy on some, who are doubting; save others, snatching them out of the fire; and on some have mercy with fear, hating even the garment polluted by the flesh” (vv. 22-23).

Rather than allowing yourself to feel beat-up by these individuals, Jude encourages you to recognize their plight; recognize their destiny is hell; and as you do so, you should be putting your efforts into snatching them out of the hell-fires by showing mercy and grace towards them.

Rather than becoming like them; reveal the love of Christ to them. Help them to recognize that there is a better way; there is a better path to take in life. There is the path of righteousness that leads to eternal life.

Certainly there will be those who reject your acts of mercy and grace, but by the power of the Spirit of God working through you, some will come to discover Christ as their Savior, repent and turn from their sinful ways and live transformed lives.

Simply be Jesus regardless of the mockery the world may generate against you. Allow the world to see only Jesus working in and through everything you are and everything you do. Leave all the vindication to God; simply show love—regardless!

Scripture Reading: “But I call to God, and the Lord will save me. I complain and groan morning, noon, and night, and He hears my voice. Though many are against me, He will redeem me from my battle unharmed. God, the One enthroned from long ago, will hear, and will humiliate them because they do not change and do not fear God. He acts violently against those at peace with him; he violates his covenant. His buttery words are smooth, but war is in his heart. His words are softer than oil, but they are drawn swords. Cast your burden on the Lord, and He will support you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken. You, God, will bring them down to the pit of destruction; men of bloodshed and treachery will not live out half their days. But I will trust in You.” (Psalm 55:16-23 HCSB)

Personal Prayer: Father in heaven, I am surrounded by mockers. My faith is tested daily; my ability to stand firm is constantly under pressure; my willingness to continue to serve you is under constant bombardment from those of this world. I pray You would strengthen me in those times when I become weak. I pray my trust would be constantly in You and in Your ability. I pray that those who would seek harm against me would find me to be a person of love, mercy and grace. Forgive me for where I have failed in the past and help me to ever be mindful that my response could have a great deal of influence upon the eventual response of those who would seek to harm me through their words and actions. I love You and praise You always…in Jesus’ name…AMEN!