The World Will Hate

Yesterday, I watched one of the most-anticipated events in the course of every season in American Idol--AI: Idol Gives Back. The how-abouts of the show gathered hoards of well-known celebrities across Hollywood to encourage American viewers to call AI's hotline for a cause. The proceeds will be used for charity in depressed parts of America and Africa.

However, a booming chain of reactions across cyberspace appeared when the Top 8 along with a Christian choir sang "Shout to the Lord" by Hillsong as a closing performance. Many said "it wasn't right", "why does religion have to be mixed with music", and "right down corny".

As a Christian, it made me think a lot. Why do many people have strong negative ideas about Christianity as a whole? I went over the internet to find verses about persecution and here is what I found:

“If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you.

If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.

Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’

If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours."

- John 15:18-20

I realized that it's not the atheists who are the enemies, but the ignorance and narrow-mindedness that divides us. People stereotyping other people. Negative ideas being generalized. Distorted perceptions about one's culture and lifestyle. These things separate us and will continue to tear us apart until we do something to stop it.

As a Christian, I never wish to force other people into my side of thinking. I never wanted others to think that being a Christian equates to being self-righteous, nor do I want them to think that we are better people than them.

I'm not here to show you how wrong you are and how right I am. It was never my plan. It never became God's plan.

GOD COMMANDED ME, SO I AM HERE TO TESTIFY FOR HIM.
YET I AM HERE ONLY TO TESTIFY, NOT TO COMMAND YOU TO BELIEVE.
PAINSTAKINGLY. EVEN IF THE WORLD SHALL HATE ME FOR WHAT I DO AND WHAT I BELIEVE IN.

I have my faith. I believe that there's a place out there waiting for me. I believe in God. I believe in Jesus. I will never be ashamed.