OUTSTANDING!!!

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

Romans 12:2 

 

Remember when you were the "new kid in class"?  You didn't know anyone and the LAST thing you wanted to do was be that one kid who was "different."  We like fitting in.  We like feeling as though we belong.  But sometimes we are tempted to change who we are just so we can "fit in."  And those changes are draining, fake, and will eventually crumble.

Think about this: if we, as Christians, were meant to "fit in" why would God instill within us a need, drive, desire to be different?  Why would the actions of the world bother us?  Why would we care about anyone else?

On the other hand, I have been part of (and worked for) churches who were far from welcoming to visitors or anyone new who joined the church.  As a matter of fact, Christians can be the most arrogant, self-centered, judgemental people ever!  Why?  Because we want to belong to the exclusive cliques and the only way to be exclusive is to exclude those who don't measure up to our standards.

What is God's standard for us?  To love each other in the same way He loves us!  THAT makes us different!  We love because God first loves us!  Ponder that for a moment.