Day 29 of 40 Days of Lent: The Hatred of the World and the Call to Stand Firm

Beautiful imagery by @Koolshooters from City of Angels

Scriptural basis: John 15:18-21

The Hatred of the World

"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. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. But all these things they will do to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me." (John 15:18-21)

As we walk in faith, we encounter opposition—not because of our possessions, status, or even our character, but because of the favor and spiritual rank we hold in the kingdom of God. There are those who, even with all the world has to offer, still find themselves despised and opposed, not for their actions but for their divine calling. Just as Jesus warned His disciples, the world resents those who belong to Him, for they are not of the world but have been chosen and set apart.

This truth is difficult to accept. Why should those who seek righteousness, love, and truth be met with resistance? The answer lies in the spiritual order. Darkness opposes light. Those who live under the influence of the world’s system cannot comprehend the workings of the Most High. Your anointing, your purpose, and your unwavering commitment to God’s will make you a target. Yet, take heart—for if the world hated Christ, it is no surprise that it hates those who follow Him.

Scriptural basis: John Luke 2:46-52

Do Not Let the Environment Shape You—Shape It Instead

"After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. And when his parents saw him, they were astonished. And his mother said to him, 'Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been searching for you in great distress.' And he said to them, 'Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?' But they did not understand the saying that he spoke to them. And he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was submissive to them. And his mother treasured up all these things in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man." (Luke 2:46-52)

The world will try to impose its expectations upon you. It will attempt to dictate who you should be, what you should value, and how you should behave. Environments—whether family, society, or culture—have a way of molding individuals to fit within their predefined standards. But the call of God often requires us to transcend these limitations. Jesus, even as a child, knew His purpose. He did not conform to the concerns of His earthly environment but remained rooted in His divine mission.

In moments of pressure, when the world seeks to define you by its standards, remember the words of Christ: "Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?" His priority was always the will of God. Likewise, we are called not to let our surroundings define us but to transform them through faith, wisdom, and divine purpose.

The world may misunderstand you. It may push you to become something that aligns with its expectations. But trust in God and keep going. Stand firm in the identity He has given you. Your growth in wisdom, stature, and favor is not dependent on the world’s approval but on the divine affirmation of the Most High.

This Lent, as you meditate on these scriptures, reflect on your own journey. Are you allowing the world to shape you, or are you shaping the world through your faith? Stand firm, knowing that the same God who called you will sustain you, and the favor upon your life is not subject to the approval of man.

Prayer for Strength and Endurance

Heavenly Father, in a world that often rejects those who are called by Your name, grant me the strength to stand firm. Let me not be swayed by the opinions or expectations of others but remain steadfast in Your will. Increase me in wisdom, stature, and favor as I seek to honor You in all that I do. May I trust in Your purpose and never conform to the pressures of my environment but rather transform it through faith and obedience. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Reflection Questions:

1. In what ways have you experienced opposition due to your faith or divine favor?

2. How have external pressures attempted to shape your identity or purpose?

3. How can you actively trust God and reshape your environment instead of conforming to it?

Let this Lenten season be a time of renewal, courage, and unwavering commitment to the path God has set before you.

xoxo,