March 17, 2011
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Daring to Be Different
I believe that when we follow Godly principles, God will bless us. If we deviate from doing what is right, we step out from under that umbrella of blessing. God cannot bless sin. If we deal rightly with people and honor God’s law, a blessing will come. As Christians, we can not put our life in compartments. We cannot conduct our business one way, and live our personal life another. We need to be above reproach in every area of our lives. We need to be walking examples of God’s love and integrity. (Titus 2:12 NLT) And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God.
Sometimes I hear “Oh, the people I work with don’t even know I am a Christian.” How sad is that? To me, that speaks of a mediocre faith. If you are truly living for God the way He asks and expects, you will be different, and people will notice. We have to get over the idea that being different is WRONG! No, it is GOOD! We are supposed to be lights in the darkness, right? We are supposed to stand out! Not in a creepy, weird, spooky Bible thumping, religious way, but in a natural, genuine, joyful, compassionate, people-loving way.
I remember some time ago I was sweating away on an exercise bike at the gym, and the lady next to me said, “Can I ask you something?”
I think I nodded my head or gasped out a “Sure!” She said, “Are you a Christian?”
I looked at her, smiled and said, “Yep!”
She said, “I thought so. You have so much joy!”
WOW! It blessed me so to know that while I was just being myself, and allowing God’s joy to be evident in my daily life, someone noticed that I was different. I know I am not perfect, but it was just nice to know that I must be doing SOMETHING right!
People ARE watching us. People DO notice. It is true that our actions speak much louder than our words.
What are your actions saying?
Comments (13)
Great entry, very good.
Yes, and amen.
I think I take a warped pride in being different. It is not just the being different but being different for the right reason...the gospel that counts. Sadly, we Christians blend in so much people can't always see any difference. I do hope people can see Jesus in me. Love you, Mae!
A most thought provoking post.
that is nice when they can see the love and joy in you
Great post. I have been struggling lately in trying to forgive the abuser in my life. I try to remind myself of what God is to us. But I am human. I need prayers.
@momto_two - That is a tough one. I think the thing that helps most is to remember that by NOT forgiving them, in a way, you give them permission to keep hurting you. Forgiving someone means giving them to God to deal with. Do not let your past hurts damage your future, honey. It is not worth it. HUGS!
@kafekotka - Viva la difference!
Jesus was sure different and He is our role model. It is hard to break away from compartmentalized living and just be consistent all of the time.
Very helpful post today,
blessings
frank
I didn't notice the red tulip til the end
yes, to a joyful, vibrant, different. Our friend noticed that in times of trouble, people came to him to talk because they knew he was a Christian.
@DanishDoll - Thanks
That is great, Mae. I love the tulips.
Love the red tulip amongst the yellows...just like you standing out in the crowd!
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