Why does the scripture expects us to be different and separate in this world? Why I can't be like everyone else! I too want to be like the others. These are some of the common thoughts that every Christian teen has in their mind. Sometimes they even fight with the church and family, so that they can be like the world. This article is an effort to address that
Everyone tries to stand out from the crowd. Just by looking around our school, we can see how individuals make an effort to set themselves apart from others.
Some individuals depend on how they present themselves in uniform.
Some people style their hair differently.
Some people choose a specific backpack,
Some people have their special musical preferences
Some have their favourite TV shows to stick out from the crowd.
What makes you different in your school?
Aliens and strangers
God wants every Christian boy/girl to be different and unique too, but He doesn’t want you to rely on these things to make you different. God tells us how he wants us to be different in 1 Peter 2:11: "I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul". By choosing to follow him, God is encouraging us to stand out (be unusual and foreign). How do we adhere to him? by avoiding sin (resisting sinful impulses) and adhering to God.
Living like this automatically makes us aliens and strangers – it instantly makes us different for God.
Purpose of being different
And what is the purpose of being different? Check out verse 12: "Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us."
1. God desires you to be different by abstaining from sin and following him.
2. God desires you to be unique because when others see how you live, they will glorify God. And finally...
3. God desires you to be unique & to honor him.
How can you be different for God's sake?
Chapters 2 and 3 of 1st Peter should be read very carefully. God doesn't simply state, "Be different," and stop there. There are numerous ways in which you can stand out while still honouring God.
Take up the challenge in 1 Peter 2:13 to "submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority established among men" this school year in particular.
There are undoubtedly a tonne of ways in which we can submit to officials and live as godly strangers and aliens in this world, as well as a tonne of other ways in which we can actively exalt God.
How can you bring Glory to God
Bring God glory by obeying your teachers. Show them respect by doing what they ask of you (yes, even when they ask you to do homework!)
Bring God glory by not joining in when others slander teachers or subjects.
Bring God glory by doing your best in your subjects this year.
Bring God glory by respecting your parents decisions.
Bring God glory by not slandering your parents when they make decisions you don’t agree with.
As a Christian, how will you be different at school for God’s glory? Share your ideas below...
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