Dare To Be Different

Most of us during sometime in our youth did something we should not have done just because our friends were doing it. Somehow our parents would be made aware of our indiscretion. It may have been through a report by a neighbor, the local police if we did something really crazy or the tale tale sign of an injury to our body. Then we would hear those legendary words “if your friends jumped off of a bridge would you jump too?”

There are a couple of responses I would like to examine here. Most of us would respond no, we wouldn’t jump off of the bridge.  We may still have had our moments of disobedience but for the most part we would do the right thing the next time.  The daredevil would think hmm if I’m positioned in just the right place I could jump and survive.

We read in Romans 12:2 and be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. We are in this world but we are not of this world. 1 Peter 2:9 reads 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 marvelous light.

As Christians we are to set an example. We are not to be the same way we were as children following the ways of the world. Paul said in 1 Corinthians 13:11 when I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.

Are you following the ways of the world because it’s the comfortable or acceptable thing to do? Are you trying to fit in with your friends even though you know what you are doing is against Gods will for your life? Have you heard the voice of God but rather than step out of your comfort zone and follow Him you conform to those around you so that you won’t be noticed, persecuted or left out the plans of the people you count as your friends? Jesus is a friend that sticks closer than a brother.

I’m not advising you to do anything drastic, or am I? As a matter of fact I am. As children we stepped out and did things we should not have done. There were consequences for our actions but we did them anyway.  I am telling you that now is the time to step out and do what God is telling you to do. Are there consequences? Yes, but is it worth it? My response is a resounding yes. You may lose a friend but the Kingdom may gain a soul. Be bold. Don’t follow the crowd. Dare to be different. If God has given you a vision, plan, dream, idea or directive follow it.

The harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few. Are you part of the harvest or are you a laborer?