It’s Good to Be Different!
You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.
Sometimes I just feel like a fish out of water. Maybe you have felt the same way. Do you ever feel different – as if you just do not belong? Does it seem like others do not have the same interests or thoughts as you? Do your friends, family, nation or world not understand your ideas, thoughts and beliefs?
It can be tough in today’s society to be unique, and to stand up for your principles. Individual thinking and questioning has fallen by the wayside, and complacency and apathy have taken over. It would often times be much easier to follow the herd and conform to social norms.
In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus reiterates to his disciples that they will be hated and often not accepted by many in this world. Hardships, mocking and trials will come. They will not be welcomed – even by their own families, friends and hometown.
“and you will be hated by all for my name’s sake.
But the one who endures to the end will be saved.”
Matthew 10:22 English Standard Version
As followers of Christ today, we are increasingly marginalized, ridiculed and persecuted for our faith. Our reassurance is that as believers, our reward is in heaven…not on this earth. Our thoughts will not line up with worldly philosophy – nor should they. Often, they will be the exact opposite.
I am reminded of the words of poet and author e.e. cummings:
“To be nobody but yourself in a world which is doing its best day and night to make you everybody else, means to fight the hardest battle which any human being can fight and never stop fighting.”
As followers of Christ, may we never give up the fight. It is good, and absolutely vital, that we remain different and true to our beliefs!
Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, CO
When I first started reading about being different and unique….I thought you meant nutty! Ok, but really good piece on standing up for God and not giving in to temptation by just going along….