being different
"...not for the sake of being different, but different with a purpose." Peter Hodges
That's what my kung fu student said about Christians being different, and it's quite true.
I look around me in the Church, and I see a host of people who really aren't that different nor do they have any desire to be different. Different from whom? you may ask, well -- the world of course.
That is one of our most powerful attractions to the world, strange as it may seem sometimes. The very thing that draws so much criticism and trials to the Christian is the very thing that makes them seek us out when they need answers.
The other day I made an observation to my mother, a guest had just left our house. Said person had come to us because of frustrations at home, and they came to our house for refuge from the storm, if not for but a moment. This person is one of many who have sought us out in times of trial, either for our counsel or our company and the peace that it brings (if not with a little conviction as well). The observation was simply that although many people criticise our family for the "strangeness" of our way of life and thinking (church people included) they know deep in their hearts that we are right as is evident by the fact that we are sought out so often. You see, our way works. It's wierd, but it works.
But aren't we as Christians called to be different from the world? To be in it, but not of it.
"But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: " (1pet2:9)
we are called out from among the nations to reflect to Glory of God to the world so that the world might be saved.
here is a thought: if this is true, and it is, then why do we as Christians model so much of our thinking and acting on what is "cool" or "acceptable" or "normal" in the world? Shouldn't we be willing to step out of normalcy and be different, not different for the sake of being different but different with a purpose.
thanks for thinking about it.