What makes those of us who proclaim to be Christians different from the rest of the world who do not make such a claim? As followers of Jesus, we should stand out, shouldn’t we? Our behavior should even appear unusual to those who do not follow Jesus, yet. When we’ve repented of our sins and have received Jesus as our Savior, we are reborn into someone new inside. The first part of Romans 12:2 says, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

Lately, I’ve been convicted about this. In a previous post I had admitted that I tend to worry about what people think of me, and I stressed the importance of accepting that we, as believers, are “square” in this round world; however, I realize there is still a level of concern within me about appealing to people rather than appealing to God. I don’t think I’m the only Christian who feels this way, either. Furthermore, I have come to believe that this may be one of the greatest hinderances we have in displaying Jesus to others and sharing Jesus with others because by doing such things, it means we have to be transforming-ely different. We have to be “odd.” 

Maybe we should relentlessly not care about what the world thinks of us. Goodness gracious! How do we do that? Well, I don’t fully know, but I do think it starts here: We must continually be awed by who God is, be awed by what He has done, and be awed by what He has planned. 

There are numerous passages about who God is, and quite honestly, He is more than I am equipped to describe. Please keep in mind what A.W. Tozer says about God as you read my inadequate list, “If we take away any of the attributes of God, we do not weaken God but we weaken our concept of God.” God is the Creator of the universe and the giver of life. He is merciful, and He is just. He is all-knowing and is everywhere at all times. He is the light of the world. He is sovereign, and He is good. He is holy and perfect. He is the King of kings and the Lord of lords. He is everlasting. He is gracious and righteous. He is faithful. He is love. 

In fact, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life,” John 3:16. God revealed Himself through the person of Jesus Christ. He lived the perfect life that none of us could live. While Jesus was here He performed countless miracles of physical, mental, and spiritual healings. He, the Perfect Man, also paid the penalty for our sins. Romans 5:8 points out that, “God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Furthermore, Isaiah 53:5-6 reminds us, “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.” 

In addition to all of this, the Lord God wants us to be with Him for eternity. In John 17:24, Jesus prayed, “Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory…” This same amazing God actually wants us to be with Him. God! The One I’ve been speaking of! He wants us to be with Him! He has eternal plans for His follower’s lives that involve being along side Him for eternity! 

I don’t know about you, but I am awed by Him! I needed this reminder so that I am better able to be “odd” in living out my life sharing Jesus with others. I want to see revival! I want to make an impact in His eternal kingdom. Don’t you?! Let’s pray and figure out how we can do this together. Let’s be unafraid of being odd for Him because of how awed we are by Him. 

Pray with me: Father, I am truly awed by who You are and what You’ve done and what You will do. Show me ways I can courageously be “odd” as compared to the ideals of this world. Help me share You with others in a way that is relatable and understandable and encouraging so that they, too, will be awed by You and in turn desire to walk with You. I love You. Amen.