The Message, John 15 - Ted

So I just picked up a new version of the bible, "The Message". Because of the way "The Message" is written and formatted I don't have specific verses just Books and Chapters so its going to take some getting used to.

Here is the scripture that spoke to me out of John 15 about half way through under the title Hated By the World
"If you find the godless world is hating you, remember it got its start hating me. If you lived on the world's terms, the world would love you as one of its own. But since I picked you to live on God's terms and no longer on the world's terms, the world is going to hate you."

Although I know that hatred towards Christians is on an exponential curve as we head into end times I've gained some new perspective here. How do the non-Christian people in my life perceive me? Am I the guy that fits in with the endless wise cracks and timely wit or am I disliked at some level or maybe even misunderstood because of my characterized pursuit of righteousness. I think I'm somewhere in the middle, but what I know for certain is that my heart is growing stronger for Christ everyday and maybe someday soon I'll be able to stand up in the world for my friend Jesus as much as I do for my own personal recognition.