“Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake.” (Luke 6:22)
If the world loves you, you should question whether you’re a disciple of Christ. Rejection from men, for taking a righteous stand, is a sign of acceptance with God. The Lord knows those that are His; and the distinguishing seal on their life is that they depart from iniquity. (2 Tim. 2:19)
Jeremiah wasn’t the most popular young man in Jerusalem. He certainly wasn’t being invited to any parties. But he had no desire to go anyway – he was too busy weeping for those who were partying when they should have been repenting and praying for God’s mercy. The man of God had no regrets that he missed out on what the world was doing. He was also grateful to have missed out on the judgment of God when it fell.
The path of a true disciple is often a lonely one.
“It is good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth. He sitteth alone and keepeth silence, because he hath borne it upon him. He putteth his mouth in the dust; if so be there may be hope. He giveth his cheek to him that smiteth him: he is filled full with reproach.” (Lamentations 3:27-30)
Yes, even those who profess to know God can keep their distance. But know, if you will walk in the obedience your Lord requires of you, there is a day coming when you will not lack the company of the best people who ever walked the face of the earth. You will be included in the greatest party the world has never seen.
“Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.” (Luke 6:23)