Kermit the Frog used to sing "It's not easy being green" meaning it is not easy to be different in this world. As much as our society prizes individuality, it still expects people to operate with a certain mindset. I am not speaking of our society with it's official rules but of the unofficial rules; the rules written by our human nature. These rules are fuelled by greed, self-centeredness, self-preservation, hatred, revenge and such. You don't believe me, then watch the local news for a few days, watch people on the bus, observe the behviour at your local Wal-Mart. In this ocean of selfishness it is not easy to be like Jesus.
There are certain laws and changes happening right now because it is the right thing to do in our society. According to the wisdom of man it only makes sense that our leaders guard the rights of equality among all people. We may personally disagree with the recognition of homosexuality as legitimate behaviour but according to the law of man it makes total sense. However, we cannot come into accord with this because we know that man's logic is faulted and we adhere to the wisdom and direction of God. This is why it is not easy to be like Jesus.
In all of this mess we are told that we are the light and salt in this world. No matter what direction it takes, how much it changes or how dark it gets, we must stay the course, represent Jesus and do as much good as we can in a dying world. We see the writing on the wall, we know what's coming, we know how bad it is getting so we have a responsibility to share the good news of Jesus with as many people as we can. We cannot allow ourselves to become weary in our responsibility.
Becoming weary is a terrible thing. I have a job to help pay the bills while I minister in one of the darkest areas of this world, and if I am not careful I can allow this job to make we weary. I have to watch my attitude, eat well, sleep well, and set goals for myself to prevent weariness. If I allow myself to become weary then I want to quit, I don't want to go on, I even want to run away. It is no different spiritually.
We have a responsibility to stay fresh in a world that hates what we are and who we represent. We have to stay on top of our game, stay in the word, make conversation with God a constant thing, keep worship an increasing part of our day and to be occupied with the work of the Kingdom. These things keep us fresh in our relationship with Jesus and that is the secret to staying the course.
It is not easy following Jesus, being like him, having his character in a world that lifts up other values. We are in contrast to this world and it is only going to get worse. But that is not an excuse for us to slack off or to run away. We need to keep our relationship with Jesus fresh. The Word tells us not to allow ourselves to fall into a state of weariness:
"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers." (Galatians 6:9-10)
Don't give up, no matter how difficult it is. Our reward is not in this place but is in the place to come. Don't be surprised when the world hates you and your kindness is rejected. Understand they did it first to Jesus. He fed the hungry, healed the sick, brought sight to the blind, raised the dead and they still nailed him to the cross. Why would we expect to be treated better than that? No, we have responsibilities here. We have an obligation and it is not to this world but to Jesus Christ who loves this world. So, press on my friends; in the Spirit of God, press on!
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