Be Different
We have been called to be holy.
We have been called to a life that is “different.”
The Christian life is a life of nonconformity.
The idea of nonconformity is expressed in Romans:
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—which is your spiritual worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:1–2.
In light of the gracious justification that Christ has achieved for us-
– the only reasonable conclusion we can reach is that we ought to present ourselves totally to God as walking, breathing, living sacrifices.
When we are called to be transformed-
– it means that we are to rise above the forms and the structures of this world.
We are not to follow the world’s lead but to cut across it and rise above it to a higher calling and style.
This is a call to transcendent excellence, not a call to sloppy “out-of-it-ness.”
That Christian who gives himself as a living sacrifice and offers his worship in this way is a person with a high standard of discipline.
He is not satisfied with superficial forms of righteousness.
The “saint” is called to a rigorous pursuit of the Kingdom of God.
“Heavenly Father, help us to have the boldness and courage to be different in today’s society, especially around our peers and those who do not know You. May we surrender our hearts, our souls and our minds completely to You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”
(PR)