July 4

John 15:19

If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.

The complete verse reads: “If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.” They will call you “goody two shoes, hypocrite, etc., etc. This is not exactly the “prosperity gospel” that is so popular nowadays, but it is true; history and experience bear this out. The more nearly your conduct follows Christ’s teaching, the more the world will despise you.

But this is in the world, or those who do not follow Christ. Among Christian brethren who are like-minded you can have blessed fellowship, and in the Lord, “joy unspeakable and full of glory,” 1 Peter 1:8. Jesus said that if you come out of the ways of the world to follow Him, you will “receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come, life everlasting.” Luke 18:30. If you only knew. This Jesus that the world despises is “the pearl of great price,” and the one who is “altogether lovely.” Pilate had to choose. We all have to choose. What will you do with Jesus?

Commentary by Francis L. Harris

"...what must I do to be saved?" Acts 16:30