12/07/2025
Being Different From The World
These days, it is difficult to see the difference between Christians and non-Christians. If you listen to the way some talk, it is no different than those in the world If you look at
how they dress, it is the same as those in the world. If you see what kinds of jokes that entertain them, it is no different than
what entertains the world. Many Christians today have lost their distinctiveness.
But that is not how Christians are to live. Christians are to be distinctive and different from the world. In 2 Corinthians 6:14-16, Paul lists several things that are not the
same, and for each pair he asks the Corinthians how can fellowship exist between the two. The answer is, of course, it
cannot. Then he tells the Corinthians in verse 17, “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive
you...”. Since we are no longer of the world, we are to be separate from it; we are to be different from the world.
In 1 Peter 2:9, we're described as being a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and a peculiar people. Each of these terms shows how different we are.
Each points to the fact that we're not like the rest of the world. We once were part of the world, but we're not any longer. We've come out of the world and now we're separate. And
that is how we must remain.
Sadly, some Christians do not want to be different. They don't like sticking out or doing things that bring attention to them. They want to hide and be a Christian in secret and act like their friends out in the world. They believe
that they can do everything they used to do
and still be a Christian. They think they don't have to come out and be separate.
In Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus compares us to light. We are to stand out in this world and be noticed. We're not doing it for our glory, but to show people the way to God. This world is a very dark place. If we hide our lights, how can we direct them to the truth? Too many Christians are hiding their lights under bushels instead of raising them high for the world
to see. If we care about people, we will be different in order to lead them to God.
As Christians, we must learn to become different from the world. We must think of it as a good thing, something that is important and necessary. We, being different, are lights to
the dark world. If we become dark like the world, how can anyone come to the truth? If the world cannot see our light, they will remain lost. Let's shine our lights brightly for God!
Philip Steele
