Contrary: Living in Opposition to God's Ways

When ordered not to speak in Christ's name, Peter and John replied, "Is it right in God's sight to obey you rather than God?" Later they prayed, "Enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness" (Act 4:18-31). It wasn't a matter of being difficult or uncooperative with the authorities, rather their priority was obeying God with boldness and a determination not to be shut down, while prepared to accept any consequences.

Biblical Foundation of Contrary Behaviour

Adam and Eve acted contrary to God's instructions (Gen 2:17, 3:6). Rebellion and not behaving as directed has continued to blight humanity ever since. The sexual lifestyle of many is contrary to that instituted by God (Gen 2:24; Rom 1:26-27). The carnal flesh and the spirit are contrary to each other (Gal 5:17).

Throughout Scripture, we see God's people called to live contrary to worldly systems. Noah built an ark when no one had seen rain (Gen 6-7). Abraham left his homeland for an unknown land (Gen 12:1-4). Moses stood before Pharaoh demanding Israel's freedom when Egypt was the world's superpower (Ex 5-12). Daniel refused to defile himself with royal food and continued praying despite the king's decree (Dan 1, 6).

The Spirit's Response

Our response to those who mean us harm is to come from the opposite spirit – not returning evil for evil but with good, blessing those who curse us (Mt 5:44; Rom 12:20; 1 Pet 3:9). Living God's way brings blessing which is the opposite of Satan's which results in defeat and death.

Jesus demonstrated this contrary Kingdom ethic throughout His ministry. He touched lepers when others avoided them (Mk 1:40-45). He dined with tax collectors and sinners when the religious elite shunned them (Mt 9:10-13). He forgave adulterers when others demanded stoning (John 8:1-11). He washed disciples' feet when cultural norms demanded the reverse (Jn 13:1-17).

The early church continued this pattern. They shared possessions in a culture of accumulation (Acts 2:44-47). They rejoiced in suffering when others sought comfort (Acts 5:41). They turned the world upside down through humility rather than power (Acts 17:6).

The Cost and Reward of Contrary Living

Living contrary to cultural norms often comes at a price. Hebrews 11 lists those who were tortured, mocked, imprisoned, and even killed for their faith (Heb 11:35-38). Stephen was stoned for speaking truth (Acts 7). James was executed by Herod (Acts 12:2). Paul endured beatings, shipwrecks, and imprisonment (2 Cor 11:23-27).

Obedience to God may mean disobeying others

Yet the reward eclipses any earthly cost. Those who live contrary to this world's system gain eternal perspective (Col 3:2). They store up treasure in heaven rather than on earth (Mt 6:19-21). They become citizens of a Kingdom that cannot be shaken (Heb 12:28). They join a great cloud of witnesses who've gone before them (Heb 12:1).

Do I react in the flesh or respond in the Spirit? The answer determines whether I advance God's Kingdom or hinder it. When I'm criticized unjustly, do I defend myself or entrust myself to God (1 Pet 2:23)? When I'm tempted to compromise, do I stand firm or yield to pressure (Dan 1:8)?

Do I react in the flesh or respond in the Spirit?


The Spirit enables us to respond contrary to our natural inclinations. Where we want revenge, He gives grace. Where we want conformity, He gives conviction.

Practical Steps for Contrary Living

Living in accordance with biblical principles involves a continual process of renewing one's mind (Rom 12:2). Individuals are encouraged to regularly assess whether their personal values are consistent with scriptural teachings or influenced by prevailing cultural standards. This process is supported through daily engagement with Scripture, thoughtful discernment through prayer, and accountability within a community that fosters honest dialogue (Prov 27:17).

It also means embracing God's upside-down Kingdom values: greatness through servanthood (Mt 20:26-28), strength through weakness (2 Cor 12:9-10), wisdom through foolishness (1 Cor 1:27), life through death (Jn 12:24). These paradoxes confound the world but demonstrate God's wisdom to principalities and powers (Eph 3:10).

Reflection and Application:

  • Am I willing to stand firm in my faith like Peter and John, even when facing opposition?
  • How can I cultivate boldness in speaking God's truth in today's culture?
  • In what areas of my life am I living contrary to God's design?
  • Do I respond to opposition with the Spirit's grace or the flesh's retaliation?

See also: civil disobedience, contradiction, obedience, opposite spirit, opposition, reaction, rebellion, response.