“In the World, But Not of the World… Hmmm!”

By Lou Yeboah

Tell me, ought not Christians to be different? Ought not we to be distinct, unique, set apart? Then why do we conform to what society wants and do what society wants? The problem is that we don’t want to be different. We don’t want to stand out from the crowd. We don’t want to be perceived as bing odd. But I have you know that Christ was distinct, unique, odd, set apart,  and He called His followers to be like Him. I tell you, as a people of God, we must dare to be different.  We are not called to fit in but rather to stand out. [Romans 12:2] tells us, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that by testing, you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. So “Come out from amongst them and be ye separated…” [2 Corinthians 6:14; 7:1].

I tell you God is looking for people who would dare to be like Daniel. Daniel had faith and applied works to his faith. He dared to be different in every place he found himself. In every situation, Daniel said, “I am not like the others. There is something different about me. I am in this world, but I am not of this world. I am a child of destiny and I must work on fulfilling my destiny. I am royalty. I am the child of the Most High God.” Daniel dared to be different. The psalmist says, “I am a stranger on earth. All the great men and women in the Old Testament were ‘strangers on earth [Hebrews 11;13].

I tell you God is looking for men and women who would dare to be different. Men and women who have courage and convictions and who will refuse to compromise and conform.  You and I are called to be different from the world around us and we are given practical instructions on how to do this. Paul writes, ‘Let us not be like others. Your lifestyle is to be totally different from those around you. You are a citizen of a different world. You have to learn a new language. You must dare to be different to fulfill your destiny, to maximize your potential, and to excel in life and ministry.

My challenge to you this day is to dare to be different. Dare to be a ‘stranger’ on earth. Dare to live differently. Dare to speak differently.

You know Jeremiah’s ministry required great courage. He had to dare to be different from the prophets around. They were all prophesying peace, but Jeremiah knew that the exile was coming. He was warning the people about the coming disaster. God said to him, “Tell them everything I command you; do not omit a word. Perhaps they will listen and each will turn from their evil ways [ Jeremiah 26:2-3].

However, ‘As soon as Jeremiah finished telling all the people everything the Lord had commanded him to say, the priests, the prophets and all the people seized him and said, “You must die! [v.8].

Jeremiah’s response was again very courageous. He said, ‘Change the way you’re living change your behavior. Listen obediently to the Message of your God. Maybe God will reconsider the disaster he has threatened…If you kill me, you’re killing an innocent man… God sent me and told me what to say. You’ve been listening to God speak, not Jeremiah.

Listen, we may not face the same pressure, but the world around us will often dislike us for being different. Do not be surprised or dismayed by such opposition – as Jesus told his disciples, “In this world you will have trouble.” But take heart, I have overcome the world.’ [John 16:33]

Set Apart!