Dare to Be Different
If you lived during the time of Jesus, what would your opinion of Him be? And if Jesus were here today, how would you view Him? I encourage you to consider these questions thoughtfully.
A key aspect of understanding Jesus’ life is His willingness to be different. Born into a society where conformity was the norm, people held similar beliefs, including those regarding healing. Even the scribes taught in a uniform manner.
In Mark 1:22, it is said that the people were “astonished at His teaching, for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.” While the scribes merely recited and explained the law, Jesus spoke directly, declaring, “Verily, verily, I say unto you.” This was quite audacious! Who else had the authority to do that? The people were amazed; they had never encountered anyone who taught with such genuine authority—an authority that commanded the spirit within man to align with God.
Jesus’ actions and teachings often went against societal norms. For example: – He taught that one could commit fornication in one’s heart. – He instructed that prayer should be done in private rather than in public spaces. – He healed on the Sabbath, which angered the Pharisees. – He healed unconventionally, such as when He spat on the ground to heal the lame man without him needing to enter the pool. We can further elaborate on how Jesus was comfortable being the “odd man out.”
This brief study aims to remind us that we are gradually losing this awareness. Today, many Christians are trying to conform to the world they are meant to transform (Romans 12:2). We often dislike being seen as “different.” Do you know what the Bible calls us? “Peculiar people” (meaning strange or unusual).
Friend, it’s okay to be considered strange in this world. We have been called from darkness into His marvelous light. Why should we mingle with darkness just to fit in? Wherever God has placed you—at home, at school, at work, or in ministry—dare to be different. Be the one who speaks the truth, stands up for what is right, and resists trends just to fit in. Practice non-conformity; it will only become more challenging to be different as the Day approaches.
