If you want the change, you’ll have to prepare to be different.
That is not an easy way to follow especially where the difference will matter.
There is a novelty value in being different for the sake of being different. People detect the difference but won’t take it on seriously beyond that novelty value, unless there is something substantial behind that.
The change that we’re looking for is definitely substantial. Embracing the good news of the Kingdom of God turns everything upside down. Where once you could have malicious and bitter thoughts about those who have hurt you, now the Kingdom life encourages you to actively love your enemy. Where once it was expected to be anxious for where food is going to come from and how you’re going to be able to afford for everyday needs, now the Kingdom life reminds you to trust and rely on your Father as your source. That’s just the tip of the iceberg.
Embracing the news of the good news of the Kingdom of God puts you immediately at odds with the systems and structures of the world around you. Daring to defy that system in the name of love will not go down well at all. To have that heart to be different we can take comfort from the King to whom we pledge allegiance.
I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. (John 17:14 NIV)
There is nothing anyone has mentioned since Jesus and there is nothing mentioned by Jesus to suggest conditions would improve. There is nothing in church history and the world history to suggest things have got better. There are daily reminders that however polite and reasonable the appearance can be on the surface, the reality is being different arouses opposition and hostility.
We can take heart, though, because we serve a risen Saviour who was not ashamed to be hated by the world, because He knew what was ahead. He saw the difference and was content to face the hostility and hatred to still live out the difference, because when it came to it, these words reassure us,
I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. (John 16:33 NIV)
Father, we belong to you. We love you and we are grateful for your presence in our lives. Your Spirit in us already makes us different. Help us to take heart when we face the opposition. Help us to remain focused on you when we face the subtle temptations and overt hostility. We can overcome, because you have overcome.
(Photo by Jessica Ruscello on Unsplash)
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
Life With CD 