attention. Jesus knew that, The Apostles knew that, but I don't think
modern Christianity is comfortable with that notoriety.
You see, being different leads down one of two paths. People will
either love you, because your different or hate you, because your
different. There is no middle ground. Being different, causes people
to make a choice. Love me or hate me, because I am different. I am
called to be different, because I follow Christ.
Jesus used two basic elements, when talking about His brothers and
sisters, His Church and about how different we are supposed to be.
First, Jesus calls His people to be "The Salt" of the earth. Salt stands
out from every other seasoning and spice. Every other seasoning and
spice we add to our food is for flavor, for scent, for aroma. Salt does
none of these.
Salt has no scent or aroma. Salt, by itself, tastes a little bitter with a
distinct bite to it. Use salt in any recipe, in just the right amount, and all
the other flavors, scents, and aromas are enhanced, food tastes better.
Jesus refers to us, His People, as salt. We are supposed to make
life different for those, we come in contact with. We are supposed to
enhance and enrich peoples lives with The Good News of Jesus Christ.
If we just blend in, with the rest of society, without enhancing and
enriching peoples lives with Jesus Christ, then we are like salt that has
lost its taste. Luke 14:34-35, tells us that salt that has lost its flavor, is
not good for anything but being tossed on a dunghill.
Secondly, Jesus calls Himself "The Light of the World." We, His
People, are supposed to reflect His Light. Once again, we can not
reflect the Light of Christ, by blending in with the world we live in.
A light is not very useful, unless it can be seen. That is why we put
lights on ceilings, to light up a room. That is why light houses are
taller than surrounding buildings, so their light can shine and be seen
by ships, as the light reflects off the rocks.
We want people to know who we are and what we believe. People,
at the right time, will be drawn to us.
Not because of who we are, but because of Who we reflect in our lives.
Not because of what we've done, but because of what Jesus Christ has
done in our lives.
When you are willing to be different, opportunities for Christ to shine
in you and through you, will happen.
When Christ is allowed to shine in our lives, people will notice. You
may have a stranger walk up to you and ask, are you a Christian?
There's something different about you.
You may have someone at work, walk up to you and say, I know your a
Christian, I need you to pray for my wife, she's dying with cancer.
Dare to be Different, God will bless you for it!
Dare to be Different, So that others see Christ in you!
akers-enterprises@att.com
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