We Are Different!

Today’s Through the Bible Reading: Ezekiel 20:30 - 22:31

“…you say, ‘We want to be like the nations, like the peoples of the world, who serve wood and stone.’ But what you have in mind will never happen.” Ezekiel 20:32 NIV

Ever feel like no matter what you do or how hard you try, you just can’t “fit in” to the world around you? As much as it may tug at and tempt us to conform – the Scriptures indicate as Christians, we simply can’t. But there is a Biblical explanation for this. It’s called “sanctified”. You and I, just like Israel, are God’s people. We are not only called to be different, but by His grace - we are different!

“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” 1 Peter 2:9 NKJV

Israel was feeling out of place next to the cultures surrounding them. They probably didn’t feel very “cool” as they watched their neighbors live lasciviously and worship all kinds of gods that seemed to look a little “interesting” to say the least. No doubt, they desired to be more like the world around them - but God reminds them, “What you have in mind will never happen” (Ezek. 20:32).

Jesus warned us that there is a thief who comes to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). That thief uses tactics to entice and allure us into sin by making the world appear oh, so satisfying. But the truth is there is only one person who satisfies and His name is Jesus Christ. The way of the world has pleasure for a season – but the end thereof is death (Heb. 11:25; Prov. 14:12)! Jesus came to bring us life and that more abundantly (John 10:10). As Christians, we are called by His name and because of that, like Israel, we are definitely different – we are God’s children, called to show forth His praise (1 Peter 2:9). You are not like the world around you, neither should you be for you bear the name of Jesus Christ His Majesty and you are divinely different.

by Sharon Kaselonis / All rights reserved ©