Studio52Seven

In today’s world, it can feel isolating to identify as a Christian. Christian beliefs and values are often met with criticism or even disdain. Identifying openly as a follower of Christ is sometimes viewed as out of touch, almost as if Christians don’t belong in this world. Taking a stance aligned with Christian principles is frequently met with skepticism, or worse—ridicule and disgust.

This sense of being outside and looking in is not new. Peter had to de-associate himself from Christ and the band of “losers,” as he might have imagined they must have been in the eyes of those gathered at Jerusalem at the time. Matthew (26:69-75) recounts two servant girls and “those gathered” and Luke (22:54-62), a servant girl, and two others. Of interest is that these were not the sort of people a strong Peter should have been scared of to warrant lying. However, he knew how painful it felt to be seen as a deluded outsider, even if it was in the eyes of servant girls. While it was real in Peter’s days, it is worse today. And in a world of over 8 billion people, it’s easy to feel small, insignificant, and unnoticed. The fear of being side-lined or counted out affects us all, but it especially weighs on those who strive to live as followers of Christ.

In addition, there’s a societal expectation that success is reserved for the “smartest.” The world often seems designed to favor those who are quick, strategic, and cerebral. People who don’t fit that mold can feel overlooked, facing uphill battles in education, careers, and social standing. For those, life feels harsh and unforgiving, rigged against them as they struggle to pass with a “C” while others excel effortlessly.

Another group yet is that of those that are Christians and perhaps not in the “gifted” category. The challenge becomes doubly daunting. But Christ has given us a source of strength—the Holy Spirit. Jesus promised to send us the Comforter to stand with us. The Holy Spirit was not only sent to teach and guide but also to comfort us, especially when we face the world’s rejection.

Jesus knew the world would hate those who follow Him because it hated Him first. He knew there would be those who would try to diminish our light, to make us feel worthless. This strategy is meant to discourage us, to make us feel insignificant, like the Ten Israelite spies who saw themselves as grasshoppers in the eyes of the sons of Anak the Giants (Numbers 13:33). Our Lord knew how unfair this battle would be, therefore he asked His first set of followers to wait for the Holy Spirit, who will enable them with the strength they would need to stand what was coming.

Besides teaching and reminding us of all the Lord taught us, Jesus said the Holy Spirit will also be our comforter. Because the world hates Him, the Lord Jesus said, the world will hate us also. Besides the possible physical abuse that comes to those who are hated, the sense of alienation is sheer mental torture.

They will plot to extinguish our light, disdain us, and scheme to prove that we are nothing but scum; the scum of the earth as Paul would put it. The world’s systems are set up to paint and sell that picture. And it’s not just to discourage those we seek to reach with the gospel but to also darken our spirit and discourage us.

This strength, this power from the Holy Spirit, bolsters us to stand firm even when the world mocks our beliefs. It gives us the courage to hold our heads high, even in the face of narratives that seek to paint us as outdated and stupid.

So, don’t feel defeated or insignificant. Walk confidently, knowing you carry something valuable. You have the wisdom and strength of the Holy Spirit to bring light into every environment you enter. The solution the world needs, you have. You have the balm that will heal their wounds. You are a light set on a hill, and the enemy, not of you alone but of the word that Jesus died to ignite the eternal light so they will not walk in darkness, wants to intimidate you to cower and hide your light. But step out today knowing that your voice matters.

So, don’t feel defeated or insignificant. Walk confidently, knowing you carry something valuable. You have the wisdom and strength of the Holy Spirit to bring light into every environment you enter.

You are the salt of the earth. Do not hold back that salt in the saltshaker. Position yourself to flavor the world around you. Your presence is the difference-maker your world is waiting for. Paul talks of it this way: “Christ in you, the HOPE of glory” (Col. 1:27, emphasis mine). As you awaken to that glory, they too will have the hope of connecting to it.

If you feel inadequate sometimes or worry that you’re not “smart” enough, remember this: God’s wisdom is available to you. The story of a man with no formal education beyond elementary school who now sits on boards and travels the world—guided entirely by his study of Scripture and the Holy Spirit’s wisdom encouraged me recently. You, too, have access to that wisdom. I want to encourage you; do not let your head droop!

So today, lift your head high. You are not the world’s scum or “not smart” person. You carry the wisdom of God, and you are here to shine His light. Step out boldly, knowing you’re a valued, empowered, and value-adding special agent of the Most High.