Many people want to be different and take pride in being their own person, having their own style and standing out from the crowd. However, many who call themselves Christians, don’t really want to be seen as different or set apart from the crowd as God has called them to be. In John 15:19 Jesus says, “I have chosen you to be different from those in the world.” Even though we live in the world, it is not our home and we are not supposed to live as if it is. Those who live with an emphasis on the here and now and what they can gain and attain in this world aren’t focused on the things of God. In other parts of the world Christians have gone through terrible trials for their faith, but here in the Western world Christians have experienced decades of acceptance and even respect for their beliefs. Real persecution hasn’t been something to fear. Christ-followers, times are changing. We see more and more anti-Christian sentiment—those who see Christians as intollerant and judgemental. Our society isn’t tolerant of those who have different values and morals than the main stream. Society will shame you and bully you if you don’t yield to its ever-changing philosophy. Are you different? Are you willing to live your faith, even if there are consequences, even if there is persecution?

Scripture – Lk 22:31-32; Jn 15:19, 16:33; Js 1:2-4; 1 Pe 1:1, 6-9

Verses
If you belonged to the world, the world would love you as it loves its own people. But I have chosen you to be different from those in the world. So you don’t belong to the world, and that is why the world hates you. (Jn 15:19) In this you rejoice, even if now for a little while you have had to suffer various trials, so that the genuineness of your faith—being more precious than gold that, though perishable, is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. (1 Pe 1:6-7)

Thought
When you face trials and persecution, the genuineness of your faith is tested. Will you conform or be transformed? Survive or thrive? Collapse in demise or rise? What type of faith you have will determine the answer. Some cling to their inherited faith—the faith of their parents or grandparents. It is the faith that derives from having “grown up in the church.” It is not a personal faith; it is not genuine. Others have shallow faith. Having accepted Christ, they did not move forward and grow by practicing Bible Study, worship, prayer, and fellowship. Genuine faith requires deep roots that provide nourishment and strength when the drought comes, the storms rage, and the heat is overwhelming. Some have conditional faith. They trust and serve God as long as everything is going ok. Once they have a trial or crisis, they decide God has let them down and they bail out. It is in the trials and in the crisis that genuine faith rises! God never promised a pain-free or trouble-free life. And the good news is not that God saves us from trials, but God is with us in the trials. God saves our soul, forgives our sins, offers strength and comfort along the way.

Questions
How deep are your roots? When did you accept Christ? What did you do to grow in your faith then? What are you now doing to grow? How are you different from the world? In the midst of trials and crisis, how is your response different from an unbeliever? When have you felt that your faith made you different than your neighbors, co-workers, family and friends?

Response – Share your faith. Live your faith. Don’t be weird. Be different.

Prayer
Dear Lord, help me never be ashamed to stand up for you and for what is good and right and Godly. May I live boldly and differently in this world and let my faith shine through and bring you honor and glory. Give me strength when trials and tests come my way. In Jesus Name I pray, amen.