On the Contrary

Are Christians Contrary?

Living a different, or contrary, lifestyle than another can cause curiosity. Sometimes that curiosity might lead to trouble; other times that curiosity can open doors to open and honest communication. For example, Haman noted to King Ahasuerus that the Jews’ “laws are different from all other people’s, and they do not keep the king’s laws (Esther 3:8).” He did not want them to remain, yet Ester was chosen to be queen to Ahasuerus and helped to save the Jewish people.

Paul called a spirit of divination out of a girl in Philippi, contrary to her masters desires. Since their profit was gone, they brought them to the magistrates and accused them of “exceedingly troubling our city; and…teaching customs which are not lawful (Acts 16:16-21)…” As a result, Paul and Silas were thrown into prison. However, this resulted in the other prisoners and Philippian jailer having a chance to hear the gospel. The latter heard it and obeyed it!

Paul also commended the Thessalonians for following the Christian examples of others. However, by doing so, they had to suffer persecution from their own countrymen, even as they did from the Judeans. The Judeans were guilty of killing the Lord and their own prophets, and thus did not seek to please God. Thus, they were “contrary to all men (1 Thessalonians 2:13-16).”

We must live our lives according to God, even if it is contrary to the world and what is accepted by the world, for the world has no authority to change God’s Word. In a dark world, Jesus said to “let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16).” Hopefully our contrary lifestyle will open the door for communication and salvation!