This article is an exhortation for the church to stay faithful to God, resolute in the mission to which it’s called, even though much around, against, and even in the church resists that mission. Only, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that the world hates the church. Looking at both history and scripture, we see unending opposition to God’s people. Perhaps every generation of believers has felt like their age or culture is the hardest to inhabit. Even modern Uganda can feel like the hardest place for the church to be. So I hope to encourage as well as challenge the church, both here in Uganda and across the continent.
Jesus Sends His Church Into the World
This is where the church must shine bright. As a light in the darkness.
When Jesus sent out his disciples he said, “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves” (Matthew 10:16). Elsewhere he promised them that the world will hate, persecute, and even kill them just as it did to him (John 15:18-20). That is the world the church is in: broken, corrupt, and harsh, filled with darkness because of sin. No society truly fears God. Many mock him, while most cannot distinguish between right and wrong. This is where the church finds itself today, along with every other age.
This is where the church must shine bright. As a light in the darkness, a city set on a hill. She is a beacon of hope, in a world of deep hatred and antagonism towards God. It is a cruel world. It is our world.
Our World Rejects Our Lord
History testifies to the extent of humanity’s wickedness, our fallen condition. It’s a story of rebellion and the serious determination to stray far from God, the only true source of life. Since Eden, humanity has deemed itself competent and self-sufficient. At the same time, we’ve devised and sought our meaning and identity in earthly things: success, fame and money. And surely as people look for meaning outside or without God, they increasingly distance themselves from him. Both minds and hearts are unconcerned with God.
Since Eden, humanity has deemed itself competent and self-sufficient.
Thus we see increasing independence and individualism, as well as hostility towards God and the church in culture. This culture is evident in the common lack of interest in God’s gospel; and growing hostility in the global community towards Christianity in general.
Because the World Hates Jesus, It’ll Hate His Church
However, none of this should come as a surprise. For the Bible is full of stories of rebellion against God and his people. Our age isn’t strange. From the tower of Babel to the crucifixion of Christ, until the final rebellion at the end of days, we encounter the real human spirit. Let’s not forget Pharaoh, Sodom and Gomorrah, or the time of the Judges.
Consider Revelation 2-3, where Jesus’ message to the church is clear: suffering, persecution and death are coming; remain faithful to God and his word, trusting in his promises. Do not grow fearful or complacent, condescending to winning approval or personal safety.
Suffering, persecution and death are coming. Remain faithful to God and his word.
So the church must come to terms with the reality of the times and place it’s in; we must do that. We must make a decision to remain faithful and courageous, trusting that God will guide us in making such decisions. The church mustn’t turn to cunning ways. Nor can she succumb to social pressures and circumstances, which diminish her purpose to live in and stand up for truth, justice, and love. We must hold to the values that God commands.
Furthermore, we must see ourselves as God sees us, not as defined by the world. The church must also hold up the torch or light of God’s word, justice, mercy and love on every human being and cultivate relationships that reflect God’s heart. Display courage and trust in making decisions that reflect God’s guidance and not our own endless, vain human efforts.
Don’t Lose Heart
The church is, and should keep itself as, God’s instrument for change in the world, which will mean becoming an object of the world’s hate. Resting in God’s promises, we must be courageous, vigilant and resolute in our mission to spread the truth of the gospel, despite hardships, obstacles or societal pressures. This is our mandate! Whatever the age, within the culture.
Being God’s instrument in the world will mean becoming an object of the world’s hate.
There is, however, encouragement. Regardless of the intensity or magnitude of evil and wickedness in the world, Jesus’ promise and power remain surely present within the church. The gates of hell shall not prevail (Matthew 16:18). In him we can find courage, strength and hope.
