Standing Out in a Standard Crowd

Have you ever found yourself picking up on the habits of your best friend, repeating her phrases, picking up her accent, and imitating her attitude? Did you become so accustomed to being in a state other than yours that you hear yourself speaking differently? Are you constantly around a complacent Christian that you find yourself being complacent at some point in your day? Have you left boot camp cussing because all the other soldiers cuss? Have you watched so much Idol that you find your words are cutting and piercing to the heart? Have you been around such a pessimistic person that you find yourself thinking pessimistically even though you know you are an optimist? And, if you can honestly tell me you don’t talk differently to a 45-year old police officer than you do a puppy either you’re perfect and don’t innately conform to the world on some level like the rest of us, or you just downright disrespectful!

How is it that we can imitate people, but we lack in our imitation of Christ? I would dare to suggest that if your habits are not endangering and guiding you on your “own” path, and leading you away from your Maker, you’re likely not positioning yourself in spiritual danger. Rockin’ the boat, however, likely. If you can examine yourself close enough to pick up on a change as "mundane" as an accent change or a bad attitude change it’s possible you’re also compromising other areas of your life because of your surroundings. Be alert! Don’t be naïve; the enemy knows his days are limited and is prowling around looking for souls to devour, hearts to crush, and spirits to give up and give in. He is crafty in his work so learn to discern good and evil, right and wrong, natural and acceptable perimeters of change and change rooted from bad motives. Do not be conformed by the pattern of the world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind! God uses imperfect people, but He commands holiness.

If you are truly abiding in Christ and He is abiding in you, you will bear much fruit. Your life will be a direct result of living in your Creator and your Creator living in you. You will love like Him, speak like Him, and act like Him. As a child of the most High God, you are light in a dark world. People living in darkness will follow you because they can SEE, when you are around. Your light leads them to light. Your devotion leads them to devote their lives to Jesus Christ. Your actions lead them to withdraw from their current group of dope-y friends because somehow, you’re free from all that crap. Bottom line: when you cultivate a life for God by a living a life IN Him you cause others to want to get on the boat of salvation, too.

Quit asking yourself “is it worth it?” and start asking, “is He worthy?” (like my dear missionary friend Courtney says)

May you experience deeper intimacy with Papa God every day. May you walk in love, integrity and purity. May you never grow weary in doing good and may others be attracted to your brightness in Christ. May your every step cause the lights to come on in the room and may the sound of knees hitting the floor cause your heart to burst with gratitude. May your heartfelt intercessory time in the closet propel God to action and may you be a privileged witness to His answers. May your testimony activate slumbered hearts. May your spirit cause revival in your community and in the nations. And above all, as John Piper says, may our God be most glorified in you when you become most satisfied in Him!