DARE TO BE DIFFERENT! In today’s society, being different is
probably a lot more difficult than it would have been years ago. Several decades ago, most everyone “looked”
pretty much the same. There were not too
many radical fashion styles – nor were there very many radical lifestyles. Being different stood out at o glance. Now you look around and there is no
norm. There is nothing to compare
to. Everyone is different – and
supposedly everyone fits in, no matter how radical their chosen looks or lifestyle
is. Being different a long time ago,
when measured by society’s rules, was often associated with being shunned. Today, the more extreme, the better. The greater the shock value, the better. I’d like to chat with you for a bit about
another type of different. What if God’s
people moved into action with an attitude that they would dare to be different
– as God instructs them to? What if they
stood out in a crowd, not so much because of their outward appearance (though I
will touch on that, too!), but because of their inward heart-devotion to God? What if our very demeanor – even our facial
expressions, drew people to us, and ultimately to our God? What if we actually lived out the Golden Rule
and treated people with the respect, kindness, and love that we long to receive
from others – but often don’t get? What
if our words were affirming, rather than condemning? Not of someone’s sin or weakness, but of them
as a person. What if we came alongside
the dirty, the sinful, the not-so-beautiful, the down-and-out, the broken, the
incarcerated … and actually showed them the love of Christ, as well as
ours? How do you think they would
respond? Probably with disbelief – at
first. Probably with some distrust. Why?
Because experiencing people who treat them that way – would be
different. Let the dirty, the sinful,
the not-so-beautiful, the down-and-out, the broken, and the incarcerated walk
through the doors of many churches – and the typical response in today’s world
would be an assortment of ignoring them, shunning them, or telling them
point-blank that “their kind” does not belong there. Wow!
Where did we ever get that? Not
from God’s Word, I can assure you!
Alright, let’s tackle the “outward appearance” for a few moments. Without having to look “old and stuffy and
outdated”, we can accomplish presenting ourselves in a way that would be
pleasing to God and yes, pleasing to people.
You would be surprised how many people are much more comfortable with
someone who dresses in a godly manner – than with someone who is just about
half undressed! Choosing our outward
appearance to bring glory to God definitely sets us aside as different – but
refreshing! Doing things differently according
to how God instructs us affects every facet of our lives, even the
physical. Take a look at Daniel in the
Bible, and the young men who were in training to serve the king with him. They made the choice to only put into their
bodies the types of food that would make and keep them healthy. Daring to be different, they stepped out and
took a stand not wanting to go back on their commitment to keep themselves
strong and healthy before God. When assigned
specific food and wine from the king’s table, “Daniel resolved not to defile himself
this way,” and he asked for permission in a respectful way - “Please test your
servants for ten days: Give us nothing
but vegetables to eat and water to drink.
Then compare our appearance with that of the young men who eat the royal
food, and treat your servants in accordance with what you see.” They were granted permission and God’s Word
states that at the end of the test period, “they looked healthier and better
nourished than any of the young men who ate the royal food.” (from Daniel, chapter 1). And so Daniel and his friends were given the
food of their choice from that day forward and God showed them unusual favor
with those in authority because they dared to be different! I challenge you this day … dare to be
different … for God! It’s a quality that
will make you a leader for Him!
IN A NUTSHELL . . .
THIS SUNDAY, AUG 25:
10:00 A.M. - PRAISE & WORSHIP
10:30 A.M. KIDZONE CHURCH
NEXT SUNDAY, SEP 01:
10:00 A.M. - PRAISE & WORSHIP
10:30 A.M. - KIDZONE CHURCH
PLAN A SUMMER VISIT:
with someone you've been wanting to get to know better - whether they are a part of Elevation North, or a neighbor, or just an acquaintance! It's the perfect opportunity to reach out and start a new friendship that can benefit both them - and you! Be a blessing; and you will be blessed!
ELEVATION NORTH SPOTLIGHT!
OUR FALL
MINISTRIES KICK-OFF SUNDAY is just around the corner! And we want YOU to be a part of this exciting
time in the life of our church! We are
implementing a new format for our worship service, and that week will be the
beginning of the new weekly schedule which will include 2-3 Bible Studies and
plans for growth of existing ministries and the birthing of some additional
ones. We encourage you to pray about who
you can invite for Sunday, the 8th of September, for worship and
Communion, for sharing about ministries, for the noon potluck luncheon, and for some great fellowship!
It’s going to be a Sunday you will NOT want to miss!!! Let’s
reach out and “dare to be different” – sharing Jesus with everyone we can!!!
REMEMBER . .
. God’s Word says, “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of
this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve
what God’s will is – His good, pleasing and perfect will.” ~ Romans 12:2
Serving Christ Joyfully . . .
Pastor Doug and Debbie
