Going against the Current

     In today's society, it seems like everyone wants to stand out.  People want to feel special and important in the eyes of the world.  Many people make a stand for things in this world that divides people in a negative perspective.  When it comes to standing firm for what you believe, you get a variety of reactions.  Going against the current of society for God is to leave your self vulnerable to the world's judgment.  People think you are ignorant, a fool, or gullible.  It does get you noticed.
     After Peter went to Cornelius's home, he had a lot of explaining to do among the Jewish believers.  Most don't expect to be judged among their own people, but you may find the most judgment there.  The new Christians did not understand why he would put himself in that position.  However, Peter was strong and impulsive.  He had no problem explaining exactly why he went.  His answers about the purpose of baptism to all that believe which silenced all objections.
     John the Baptist was another that went against the current of society.  He began baptism by water to signify spiritual cleansing.  Jesus began baptism as a way of drowning the old life and arising from the water with the power of the Holy Spirit.  It is good to go against the current when it is for a soul saving purpose.  You can change people's attitudes toward Jesus, sin, and society. (Acts 10:23-48)

¹⁵ “As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit came down on them, just as on us at the beginning. ¹⁶ I remembered the word of the Lord, how he said, ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ ¹⁷ If, then, God gave them the same gift that he also gave to us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, how could I possibly hinder God?”  ¹⁸ When they heard this they became silent. And they glorified God, saying, “So then, God has given repentance resulting in life even to the Gentiles.”  Acts 11: 15-18 (CSB)