Shouldn't We Be Different?

Hello again :)

I was just reading my friends' blogs, and I realized that someone (cough cough, James!) stole my idea for tonight's post. I have with me the bulletin from this morning's church service, and I was going to review some of the things that I wrote during the sermon. Even though it's not so original anymore, I'm sure the thoughts are different than James' and so I will press on with the original plan!

First off, on the front of my bulletin (or "worship folder" as my church often calls it) I wrote in big capital letters- SHOULDN'T WE BE DIFFERENT? Think about the people you interact with every day. How do you act towards them? Are you the peacemaker in your group of friends, or the one who everyone knows they can go to for help? OR are you the one who always blends in and goes along with whatever someone else does? When compared to people who have different beliefs than you, do you shine as one who has the greatest truth in the world on his heart? I honestly don't know if I have ever been or seen someone like that, and it's sad. We are different, so we should act that way! If your faith in Jesus doesn't set you apart from the rest of the world so that everyone knows it, how do you expect to lead people to Him? Remember that you are to be a light for Christ the next time you speak out in anger against a parent, or freak out because someone was unkind to you. Seriously people, WWJD?

Another big thing I got out of today's service is- It's not about me! It's ironic that this is just hitting home for me now, because the mission trip I went on a few weeks ago touched on the idea of shifting our focus away from ourselves. Well, better late than never, so here goes. We were created for a purpose. Simply put, we're made to love God above all else, and point others to the way that leads to life- trusting in the Almighty God, accepting salvation through Jesus Christ, other basic Christian principles. Hold up now, read that last sentence again. Where did I mention getting people to like you? Or what about having fun all the time? Stocking up on as much money and possessions as you can in one lifetime? (all to show the blessings God gives to His children, of course) No, I didn't forget about those. The fact is, those things shouldn't be the center of your life. They shouldn't even be a side goal, really. Sure, people will like us, we might even be rich at some point, but in that case, God just thought those blessings could be used to help accomplish His will for our lives. As for having fun all the time- don't even think about it, it's not going to happen. It seems to me that American culture revolves around fun a lot more than it ought to. God NEVER said "have fun in every circumstance." You will have some fun times in life when you accomplish a great thing or are celebrating, but don't seek it with your whole heart, or even a fraction of it. Fun is not deeply rewarding or lasting, therefore not something to be sought after.

Philippians 2:15-16

Do EVERYTHING without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you SHINE like STARS in the universe as you hold out the word of life - in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing.

p.s. Sorry it was a shorter post tonight, I'm extremely tired :P