Consider the wisdom of Proverbs 29:27 (English Standard Version [ESV]): "An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous, but one whose way is straight is an abomination to the wicked." We see the truth of this statement proven every day in this world. These opposites do not attract; they repel each other, sometimes violently. Why? Because, as Jeremiah 17:9 states, "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked, who can know it?"

The carnal mind fears knowing God and draws back to avoid hearing His commands and becoming dependent on Him. Human nature is self-centered, always endeavoring to preserve itself and seeking to live independently of God. It does not want to be reminded of the universal laws and the punishments for breaking them.

Our modern society tries to delude us into believing people are inherently good and that humanity yearns to be better and transform into an evolved species. Yet, this world is filled with individuals who act wickedly as their standard operating mode. Many are blind to the fact that people generally dislike those who follow God's Word, exhibit righteous character, and conduct their lives morally. Worldly people ridicule them publicly and privately, saying they despise them because such people act as if they are holier than everyone else—they believe the righteous think they are better than others. Their disrespect and mockery of the righteous are attempts to persuade them to return to their former disobedience of God (I Peter 4:1-4).

Because the righteous try to remain faithful, it is not long before this attitudinal and verbal abuse becomes persecution. Name-calling devolves into discrimination and then into violence. Soon, extreme measures become acceptable because human nature abhors being outdone or exposed for what it is—self-serving and evil. It becomes evident that a worldly spirit, which originates in Satan, drives the unrighteous to their wicked deeds.

James 3:13-16 (ESV) shows the sharp division between righteous and unrighteous behaviors in both their origins and their outcomes:

Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.

The wicked of the world may not understand why they feel such antagonism against the righteous or even why they resort to hurtful behaviors against them. However, James lays the blame on their selfish desires and jealously influenced by demonic spirits. Whether or not they understand it, righteous behavior disturbs their consciences, which have been defiled by false standards, religions, and philosophies inspired by "the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience" (Ephesians 2:2).

God has called His people to be different, set apart, holy. He wants them to come out of the world and overcome its ways. It is a directive that will undoubtedly lead to conflict with the world. But our Savior, Jesus Christ, says in Luke 6:22 (ESV; see also Matthew 10:22; John 15:18-21), "Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude you and revile you and spurn your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man!" None of God's people want to suffer persecution, but it stands as a proof of their righteousness. When carnal people realize God's elect differ drastically from them, they lash out. They want everyone to be more like them, equally guilty and corrupt, and when they see a righteous person refusing to cave to them, they become morally resentful of those who live according to higher standards.

It is almost a given that, after a person is called to God's way, friends, acquaintances, and even family members try to get him to violate his new beliefs. They say, "Oh, God won't mind if you try it once. He knows your heart." Then, when the new convert refuses to heed them, they get upset, perhaps even enraged. The apostle Paul explains why in Romans 8:6-8:

For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

Since the wicked are carnally minded, influenced by Satan, they refuse to accept God's ways or the beneficial works of Christ's followers. They cannot comprehend or abide the thought of people living in a manner opposed to their sinful lifestyles. Such thinking leads, not just to persecuting Christians, but also to further sinful, fleshly behaviors that will destroy them!

Jesus tells His disciples in Matthew 5:14, "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden" (see John 3:19-21; I Peter 2:9). God's chosen people are to be a light in this dark world, declaring the Word of God and living as examples of Christ's righteousness. Do not think that people in this world are not watching. They cannot help but notice when Christians react differently than they do. And often, they resent God's people because of the guilt that arises in them. That is when abuse and persecution begin.

Paul's instructions for dealing with others in Romans 12:14-21—which we would do well to read regularly or even commit to memory—are crucial to living peacefully in this world. Even so, they are challenging to fulfill, especially if we allow human nature and uncontrolled emotions to steer us. To have the right influence on our minds, he admonishes us to "walk in the Spirit' at all times so we "shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh" (Galatians 5:16). We need to be aware of how we are presenting ourselves and representing Christ at all times (I Thessalonians 5:22). Further, we need to "pray without ceasing" (I Thessalonians 5:17) because God is our Source of goodness and strength.

Both Jesus and James describe God's people as peacemakers. In Matthew 5:9, one of the Beatitudes, Jesus says, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God." In a similar vein, James writes in James 3:17-18:

But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

When people mistreat us, when we suffer for righteousness' sake (I Peter 4:12-19), we must be peacemakers. It is part of being faithful to God. So, we should pray for them, asking God to give them peace and show them the truth. We should do all we can to keep the peace and, if necessary, make personal sacrifices to show ourselves to be children of the living God, not giving in to retaliation and hatred.

The world, influenced by the Adversary, "the prince of the power of the air," will resent us, hate us, and may persecute us, but we must always live according to God's commands. As Paul writes in Romans 12:9, 14, 18, 21:

Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. . . . Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. . . . If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. . . . Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.