Never Alone, Never Outnumbered

Nobody likes to be alone, unliked, or hated. The rise of the simple “like” button on social media is proof of this; we are social beings who crave positive affirmation from others. Research shows that 78 percent of social media users report a surge of happiness or pleasure after receiving a “like” or positive interaction online.[1] Literally, a digital thumbs-up causes our brains to release dopamine, the neurotransmitter also known as the “feel-good” chemical. Essentially, being “liked” by someone else gives us a sense of belonging that satisfies our innate human need for approval, connection, and acceptance.

This is why when I read Jesus’ words in Matthew 24:8, 9 I am challenged. Jesus said concerning the end-times, “All these are the beginning of sorrows. Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake.” The idea of being a global minority, hated by all nations even, doesn’t sound particularly appealing, does it? Especially since we live in a world that thrives on likes, loves, followers, subscriptions, and views! And yet Jesus says that His people need to be prepared to be hated by the whole world for His sake. Interestingly, the name “Job” means “hated” or “persecuted.” If there was ever a person who knew what it was like to be hated, unliked, alone, and misunderstood by everyone around him—Job surely did.

Being “liked” by someone else gives us a sense of belonging that satisfies our innate human need for approval, connection, and acceptance.

In short, we must expect that the world that crucified Christ will not be kind to His followers. I was driving home one day, reflecting on this, wondering how I would stand for Jesus and endure to the end in a world of likes and algorithms, when a wonderful thought struck me. To the world, God’s people will appear to be the minority, but the glorious truth is this: When you are Christ’s, you are never in the minority, because God and all heaven stand with you.

Romans 8:31 says, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” Could the curtain be rolled back, and the unseen world all around us come into view, we would see that we are never alone. And as Elisha prayed for the eyes of his servant to be opened, we too would see the angel armies of heaven all around us. Second Kings 6:16 says, “Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” 

“When in faith we take hold of His strength, He will change, wonderfully change, the most hopeless, discouraging outlook. He will do this for the glory of His name.”[2] Praise God, we are never alone and never outnumbered.

[1] Center for Humane Technology / Pew Research adaptations & UCLA Brain Mapping Center (Sherman et al., 2016).

[2] Ellen G. White, Prophets and Kings (Mountain View, Calif.: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1917), p. 260.