When we read about Jesus, we find he was a little different. And when we begin to read and study further, we find he was different in the ways he promoted peace, incited change, inspired people to see the best in others, and showed others love while staying true to His purpose. And we can be different like Jesus.
Jesus loved those who hated Him, was counter-cultural, and He used unlikely people and things who would be unlikely choices by the world’s standards to fulfill His purpose. I Corinthians 1:27 says, “But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty;”
Many of the things that Jesus said and did doesn’t make sense to our human mind, as His thoughts are higher than our thoughts. And His ways are indeed higher than our ways.
So as Christ-followers, would it be safe to say we should be a little different too?
1 Peter 2:9 NKJV says, “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;” Referring to the Believer. We are different.
We could say, as Believers, we are cut from a different cloth than the world. Kingdom-minded, spirit-let, life-giving. In this world, but not of this world. Instead, representatives of the Kingdom to come.
To be a Christ – Follower, means we exhibit the attributes of Christ. It means we are more like Christ than we are of our true sinful nature. We were made by God, for God and His purpose.
So I thought about the story of Peter in Acts 5:15. The Bible says that people brought the sick near and far to lay in the streets. So as Peter passed, maybe at least his shadow would overshadow them. Some translations say the people received healing.
Now when we take a look at Peter, he had his moments. He was a bit of a hothead and denied Jesus several times. If we’re honest, we all have our moments. But, it was something different about him. He took chances, he left all he had and followed Jesus. And he caused others to be healed just from his shadow.
It made me think about the difference the Believer can play in our culture and world. It reminded me of the difference that my life can make. And I hope it reminds you of the difference you can make in the lives of others.
So the question becomes, do we live in a way that leaves people better than we found them?
Those who we come in contact with each day, be it face to face or online. Do we leave people better than we found them?
The Bible says the apostles impacted the areas in which they went. And not just in any way but positively for the Kingdom of God.
I pray this stirs your faith to encourage others, to spread hope and light everywhere you go. To resist the urge to boast opinions or world news above the Good News of the Lord Jesus Christ.
I believe when we make Him the center of our thoughts, actions, and words, those around us will see our good works and glorify our Father in Heaven. We can change the room, the atmosphere, the world, when we become different like Jesus.
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