John 15:18 - Its ok to be hated

John 15:18 - If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. It is Monday.....again....and we find ourselves back in the grind that is the work week. When I come into work I am hit with the fact that I am surrounded by non-christians. I can hear it in their voice, see it in their actions, and tell by their behavior. I do what I can to help reinforce positive messages and to bring focus to living a Christ like life but often I am brushed off or made fun of as a "bible nut". That does not keep me from trying though. The reason why I continue to press on is because the message that I have to give them is too important to give up on. I might drive them to hate me after a while but that will not keep me from giving the the good news that was passed to me and now lives in my heart. I understand that it is OK to be hated. I mean if Jesus could be the most hated man of His time I figure I have some great company. We have to know that people do not like change. That they are afraid to confront the sin in their lives, and that they do not want their faults pulled out and put on display. If we want to reach them we need to know this up front and change our tactics. We are soldiers in a way, make no mistake. The war for souls is a constant one and we as followers of Christ need to do our part. Take the word to the people. Be the example for others to follow. Understand you will be hated. But know in your heart that you are doing what you were called to do. The world may never accept you, but since you were already accepted by the creator and know you have life eternal secured for you, what have you go to lose?