Dare to Be Different

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!...Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. Romans 12:2-3

I just finished reading a book with Abby called Fahrenheit 451 for a school project. Although it was strange, dark and disturbing, Abby and I both realized some things about ourselves and our family!

The book was about a technological society that became disassociated with reading and seeking knowledge. They were into listening to the radio and television until one day, they became so consumed with media, that they no longer thought for themselves. They began to burn books to discourage people from gaining new knowledge and they encouraged ignorance. I thought it was ironic that this book was written around 1952.

Look what has happened to our society in the past 60 years. This author was correct in his assessment to a point. Look at the generations of our kids. They want to watch tv, you tube videos, play video games. I can't tell you how many times I see kids wearing Ipods in their ears to and from school instead of conversing with their parents. Kids get in the car and instead of talking to each other they are texting. There are times when kids would rather play their Xbox than go outside and play sports or ride their bikes. We are raising generations who lack basic communication skills or working out relationship issues.

There are very few individuals that dare to be different, that challenge the political system that we live in. The media feeds a story and instead of people checking into the facts from other sources, everyone believes what they hear. We are losing freedoms by the day from our politicians because no one wants to stand up and make a difference. Television shows have become more sleezy, movies have become more violent. We are a society that just goes along with the flow of what comes our way without saying anything.

What about those whom we go to for advice or spiritual guidance? Do you take your Bible to church and compare what the pastor is saying to Scripture? Do you carry your bible with you to Bible study to see if what people are saying matches what God says? If you seek counseling services do you compare what the counselor says to what the Bible says? If a friend gives you advice, do you compare it to Scripture? Do you just blindly listen and apply what anyone says without questioning or challenging their opinions? Do you have your own thoughts and opinions and do you know why you believe what you believe?

I look back on our life and see that we haven't always fit in with others because we don't follow the crowd. When we were first married, we attended a small bible study with other couples. The topic of conversation was always about having babies, most of them had only been married a year or two. We thought it was better to wait awhile. We were different! We attended the same church for many years and had a different philosophy than the church did. We believed in the Grace of God, but we also believe in the accountability of man to live a Christ-like life. People gave us a hard time at times for being different. When one of our friends, began to make sinful choices, we took the road of loving the sinner and not the sin. It was an unpopular stance and we received flack for our stand.

The most poignant example of someone who dared to be different was Jesus. He was challenged and ostracized because he didn't go a long with the crowd. He thought for Himself. It didn't bother Him that He didn't walk and talk and follow all the hollow rituals like all the other religious leaders. He hung out with the rough crowd, the poor, the lame, the sick, not the elite spiritual leaders of the day.

I don't want to live in a comfort zone. God created each and every one of us with a brain. He gave us access to books and now even the internet to gain information and knowledge, but best of all He gave us His Holy Word! Even churces are guilty of conforming to the world. You can go to churches across America, and many look alike, most have bands with everyone looking trendy and hip. There is media on the video screens and a hip looking pastor. Many pastors want to preach what the congregation wants to hear, giving them a "feel good message", surely not wanting to step on anyone's toes or calling a spade a spade. The question you have to ask when you go and call it home is this: are they preaching God's Word, do you see Jesus in the people who go there and are lives being transformed? If a church is all about programs not having a deep love for Jesus and wanting to follow His commandments, then the church as an institution is no different than the world.

The best way to become different is to study the life of Jesus in the New Testament. His life was everything contrary to popular culture. His message made many people uncomfortable, making many people look in the mirror and address their sins. He challenged people to change their old ways of thinking and behaving. The best part was though, that his actions matched his message. He didn't just talk about loving your neighbor or helping those in need, he actually healed people physically as well as spiritually!

Do you look at things with a critical eye? Do you make decisions for your family so you will fit in with your friends? There comes a time when people have to mature, not only as individuals but also spiritually. The only way that you can grow up is to study the Word of God for yourself and then, observe, observe, observe! We are so concerned as a society to be politically correct, to not offend anyone else with our beliefs. Really, do those who don't believe in God worry about offending those who love Jesus or taking away their rights or beliefs, I don't think so! When you see an injustice or you see something that is just absolutely incorrect, dare to be different, speak up! We still have freedom of speech and freedom of religion. Someday in the future, we won't! So for now, make a difference, in not just the life of your family but also in the life of those around you! Dare to be different!