It’s natural to be liked and even to be loved by others, it’s who we are as human beings in relation to social contact in a given society. But that human aspect of natural affection or needs based affirmation in relation to our being liked will always set us apart from the world when our commitment to Christ begins to take precedence over our cultural standing.
Jesus said if the world hates you/us don’t be surprised, because it (the world) hated him first. (John 15:18) One of the hardest aspects of being committed to Christ is that at some point people, even close friends or even family will reject a believer because of their beliefs when those same convictions run against social norms. But that’s the purpose of the gospel, to bring division. And division it will bring.
This is why some people in the faith lose their way, because of the power or fear of rejection of standing firm in defiance of culture and society.
That’s the cost of discipleship.
Everybody wants to be accepted by others, but the price of following Christ will continually place the believer at odds with this world and its system, because light cannot find union with darkness, it opposes the night and shines truth into the depths of the heart of man. That’s why it’s better to be faithful in our commitment to our faith than to gain the friendship with the world, for anything else puts the believer at odds with God himself, and thus becoming his enemy.
That’s the cost of the cross, and why the way is continually narrow for being a Christian.
