Rags to Riches

Who doesn't love a good rags-to-riches story?  There's something mesmerizing about the person who rises above his or her circumstances.  There's a spiritual ascent for the Believer who supersedes this world's idea of rich. In 1 Corinthians 4:13, Paul reminds those who are faithful to Christ and His principles "have become like the scum of the world, the dregs of all things." Jesus Himself warned us: "you will be hated by everyone because of Me" (Matthew 10:22); and, "if the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you." (John 15:18). Such times have existed throughout history, and certainly that time is now; we must not think it strange (1 Peter 4:12). What Believer should consider strange, however, is if they find themselves comfortably favored by the world rather than hated and opposed. If Paul's words, "we have been made as the filth of the world," do not seem an exaggeration to you, perhaps you are too cautious and concerned about yourself instead of Christ in you. Ultimately, we are friends with the world or with God - we cannot be both: "Friendship with the world is enmity with God." (James 4:4). I suggest it's an appropriate time and a wise Believers consider our standing with the world: friend or foe. To be hated by the world is to be rich in God's eyes. Now, that's a beautiful rags-to-riches story!