Living Right-Side Up in an Upside-Down World
In a world that often feels turned on its head, how can we live with purpose, hope, and love? The answer lies in a profound yet simple truth: keep our focus on Jesus and work to bless others. This counter-cultural approach to life isn't just a nice idea—it's a calling for all who follow Christ.
Imagine a world where everyone lived with sympathy, love, compassion, and humility. A place where no one repaid evil for evil or insult for insult. It sounds like heaven, doesn't it? And that's precisely the point. We weren't created to live in the broken, upside-down world we see around us. We were made for something more—God's right-side-up kingdom.
The apostle Peter, writing to persecuted Christians, reminds us that we are "strangers and exiles" in this world. Our true citizenship is in God's kingdom, and that changes everything about how we live. But how do we put this into practice when the world around us operates so differently?
First, we must remember our identity. As children of the Most High King, we have direct access to the throne room of the universe. No earthly power or opinion can shake who we are in Christ. Second, we must trust that God is a rewarder. Even when life doesn't go our way, we can be confident that our Father sees and will make all things right in His time. Finally, we must choose to trust God's way over our own, even when it doesn't make sense from a worldly perspective.
Living this way isn't easy. It requires us to turn away from evil and actively pursue what is good. It means seeking peace even in conflict. It demands that we guard our tongues—and our keyboards—from speaking evil or deceit. But the promise is clear: "The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are open to their prayer."
When we live this way, we shine like beacons in the darkness. People will notice the difference and ask about the hope we have. This is our opportunity to share about Jesus—not with arrogance or harsh words, but with gentleness and respect. Our lives become a living testimony, putting to shame those who would speak against us.
Consider the story of Noah. While the world around him descended into chaos and sin, Noah remained faithful to God's call. He built an ark when there was no sign of rain, enduring ridicule and persecution. Yet his obedience saved not only his family but also preserved the hope of redemption for all humanity. Like Noah, we're called to live differently, even when it doesn't make sense to those around us.
But why should we bless others even when we suffer? The answer lies in the example of Christ Himself. "For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring you to God." Jesus, the only one who ever lived a truly right-side-up life in this upside-down world, gave His life for us while we were still His enemies. His sacrifice makes our new life possible.
This truth is beautifully symbolized in baptism. When we go under the water, we identify with Christ's death. When we rise, we celebrate His resurrection and our new life in Him. It's not about washing away physical dirt, but about pledging our lives to God with a clear conscience, made possible only through Jesus.
Living this way requires a constant choice. Will we trust God and do things His way, or will we rely on our own understanding? Every day presents opportunities to bring good, joy, and blessing to those around us—or to add to the world's brokenness. The choice is ours.
As we keep our focus on Jesus and work to bless others, we may find that life doesn't always go smoothly. We might face persecution, misunderstanding, or loss. But we can take heart, knowing that our King Jesus has gone before us. He now sits at the right hand of God, with all powers and authorities subject to Him. And He promises us an inheritance that can never perish, spoil, or fade.
So how do we practically live this out? Here are a few suggestions:
- Start each day by reminding yourself of your identity in Christ.
- Look for opportunities to bless others, especially when it's difficult.
- Guard your speech, both in person and online.
- When faced with evil, turn towards Jesus instead of focusing on the wrong.
- Be ready to give an answer for your hope, but do so with gentleness and respect.
- Remember that your actions speak as loudly as your words.
- Choose to trust God's ways, even when they don't make sense.
Living right-side up in an upside-down world isn't easy, but it's the life we're called to as followers of Jesus. It's a life that stands out, that causes people to ask questions, and that ultimately points to the hope we have in Christ.
As we go about our days, let's keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. Let's work to be a blessing to everyone we encounter, knowing that in doing so, we're living out the reality of God's kingdom here and now. And let's look forward with hope to the day when all things will be made new, and we'll live in a fully right-side-up world with our King.
In a world that often feels chaotic and broken, we have the incredible opportunity to live differently. By focusing on Jesus and blessing others, we become living testimonies of God's love and grace. May we embrace this calling with joy, trusting that our labor in the Lord is never in vain.