Each one of us was created uniquely by God for a purpose specifically set out just for us. King David, realizing this wonderful truth, cries out to God in Psalm 139:14 “I will praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Take a few minutes and explore this life-changing truth as we dive into my most recent devotional series entitled, “Don’t Be Different Alone.”
Day 1 – Why Be Different?
What does being different mean to you? To me, it means not conforming to the ways of the world, or who the people around me expect/want me to be. It means being the unique, one-in-seven billion person I know God has created me to be.
We are called to be different. We’re called to live differently by serving others and treating others how Jesus would have treated them.
“Do not conform 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 NIV
Day 2 – Don’t Be Different Alone
When was the last time you took a risk by yourself? More often than not, we find ourselves more willing to take risks and step out of our comfort zones when we’re taking that risk with others. And there’s no shame in that! The Bible gives plenty of examples of GROUPS of people daring to be different. Jesus wasn’t always alone. He chose twelve disciples to accompany Him during his ministry here on earth.
Another group of three who dared to be different is revealed in the story of the three men in the fiery furnace. Contrary to everyone else at the time, Shadrach, Meschach, and Abednego stood up to their new king in Babylon and remained faithful to the Lord. And it changed the ENTIRE country.
Find yourself a close-knit group of people and be who God called you to be. Dare to be different! You never know what God has in store!
Day 3 – Be Real, Not Fake
Are you an avid social media user? Are your social media accounts a realistic representation of you or do they only show the filtered up, glamorous moments? Do you strive to live a life like others we see on social media? Remember, we are all uniquely created by God and born for a unique, different purpose. But to be different, we must be real and being real can be one of the scariest, hardest things to do sometimes. It’s something that I’ve always struggled with. Letting people in enough to see the real, vulnerable you is one of my greatest fears and something I’ve been working to resolve for some time now.
Being vulnerable is one of the greatest ways God can use you, though. We can’t always be the strong and positive people we may strive to be. It’s necessary for us to be real about our struggles and talk about them with those we trust. In fact, God tells us that when we admit our defeats and show our weaknesses is when we’re our strongest. Recognizing our shortcomings and our struggles shows off God’s power, strength, and most importantly His saving grace!
So I challenge you, kick the filters to the curb! Be vulnerable and let the real and beautiful you shine bright!
“Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” – Galatians 1:10 NIV
Day 4 – Choose To Give, Not Take
Serving and giving help us become more and more like Jesus. In a world full of taking any and every opportunity that that may present itself, choosing to give instead is one way we can be different. In fact, one of the Pastors at my church just talked about this in our Thanksgiving service sermon. He said, “A gift given opens the door for the giver.” Meaning, what better way to break down a barrier between us and those we haven’t yet been able to reach than by giving them a gift.
Giving and serving is more than just a one-time thing around Christmas time, though. It’s a lifestyle. It’s the lifestyle our Lord created us to live. So I challenge you: think of one way you can serve this week in your everyday life, and do it!
“just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” – Matthew 20:28 NIV
Day 5 – What Does It Look Like To Be Different?
When we’re different, it gives others something to look at. So let’s be an example of what it looks like to follow Jesus. And if we do that, we can help others find the love that Jesus has shown us!
Embrace your individuality and uniqueness! Be different! Be the servant God created you to be! Share with me in the comments below how you strive to be the different, called servant of God He has created you to be! What are some new ways you/we could find to be different?
