Becoming the "Filth of the World"

1 Corinthians 4:13 (Amplified Bible)
When we are slandered and defamed, we [try to] answer softly and bring comfort. We have been made and are now the rubbish and filth of the world [the offscouring of all things, the scum of the earth].


Becoming the "filth of the world" is not an exaggeration, but one which we all should actually become. We are way too cautious and too concerned about what we want and our deepest desires, that we refuse to actually become the filth. Colossians 1:24 says, "fill up my flesh in whatever is lacking in the afflictions of Christ"; this is not showing the result of holiness through being sanctified, but the evidence of being consecrated or "separated to the gospel of Christ". (Romans 1:1)
You can choose as a Christ follower to be saved by the "skin of your teeth", or you can delve in with all you have. If throughout the everyday things you encounter things that are strange it is usually because we are too afraid and cowardly to face them. The Word says, "Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you". (I Peter 4:12) We are so selfish sometimes and get caught up in our own desires and we refuse to go head first into the mire of this world. We need to stop this behavior and proclaim from the mountains, "I do not care if I am like the filth of this world, as long as to gospel is proclaimed!!!!!" A true and faithful follower of God, is one who is willing to become a martyr for Christ. When we are confronted with the filth of this world, such as contempt, dishonesty, disloyalty or any other filth, we tend to pull away from the offender. This is NOT what we should do!! The true reality of the redemption story is that even the most wicked or vile person can never, ever exhaust the depth of God's love. We should not shun the person away, nor accept the sin, but we need to show that person just how much God truly loves them. "Paul did not say that God separated him to show what a wonderful man He could make of him, but "to reveal His Son in me. . ." ( Galatians 1:16 )."


(My Utmost for His Highest-Oswald Chambers)