In our world today many people will attempt to cause guilt over the choices we have made. They will want us to do things their way, believing that their way is the only way, they will attempt to manipulate and intimidate anyone who walks their own path.
News flash, God's way is the only way, He is the only One we need to be concerned about pleasing. Yes, we do want to be a loving asset to our friends and family if possible, however, when our friends and family are not walking the same narrow path that we walk, then it is time to move on with Christ, alone.
God never leaves us completely alone, His Holy Spirit lives in us and He sends us friends from time to time to encourage, bless and protect us as we seek to do these things for our brothers and sisters in the Lord.
We are not responsible for anyone outside the family of Christ. We may at times help unbelievers as a witness, but our main responsibility is with God's family, the family of believers who walk with Christ.
Matthew 10:22 " 22 You will be hated by everyone on account of My name, but the one who perseveres to the end will be saved."
When we make our priorities clear, take them seriously and stick with them, some people around us will not understand, they are accustomed to manipulating and controlling others so much so that they will work to undermine the very things we are led by God to do.
Matthew 10:35-37 "…35 For I have come to turn ‘A man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. 36 A man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.’ 37 Anyone who loves his father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me;…"
Our culture has a strangle hold on most people, they can't seem to make a move unless others validate them. Sadly there are many people who have gifts and talents that are not being realized, simply because the group they run with, do not encourage them and even actively discourage them.
1 Corinthians 15:33 "33 Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good character.”
The culture as a whole doesn't like people who are secure and confident outside their influence. This is the reason so many church attendees are cliquey, resembling a fadish and snobby frat house. Those who don't accept the goings on in their gatherings, the ones who question all things as Christ commanded and the ones who use the Word of God as the bench mark for every decision and every standard, are going to be ignored and even mocked for not falling in line with the status quo.
John 15:17-19 "17 This is My command to you: Love one another. 18 If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first. 19If you were of the world, it would love you as its own. Instead, the world hates you, because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world.…"
My advice based on God's Word; Through prayer and Scripture study, seek God's will for your life and then be willing to do what He says even if it means losing family and friends. In the end of it all on this earth, the only thing that will matter is whether or not we obeyed Christ.
Isaiah 55:6-7 " 6 Seek the LORD while He may be found; Call upon Him while He is near. 7 Let the wicked forsake his way And the unrighteous man his thoughts; And let him return to the LORD, And He will have compassion on him, And to our God, For He will abundantly pardon.…"
When we seek Christ, the friends He brings will love us by His standards rather than the standards of the world. These will be loving and loyal friends full of joy.
Proverbs 18:23-24 "…23 The poor man utters supplications, But the rich man answers roughly. 24 A man of too many friends comes to ruin, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother."
