Why You Shouldn't Fit In

I read something the other day and I keep thinking about it.  Over and over and over.  So I'm going to share it here - praying that someone else will be blessed (and challenged) by it as well.  It's from the book And We Are Changed which is written by Priscilla Shirer (http://www.goingbeyond.com/)

When we meet Jesus, we should change.  We are not supposed to act the same anymore.  There should be a distinct difference in our coming face-to-face with the Almighty Savior. Our priorities, our mindset, and our lifestyle as a whole should be noticeably different now that we have a new Master.

• Your co-workers should notice the difference.
• Your neighbor's children should notice the difference.
• Your unsaved spouse should notice the difference.
• Your family members should notice the difference.
• Your students should notice.
• Your clients should notice.
• Strangers should notice!

All humankind should know that there is something different about you.  You shouldn't be just like everyone else.  You should no longer fit comfortably into the mold of this world. . . . You should be a little peculiar.  There should be some things that you have to let go of, with the hope and certainty that even though you can't see the end product, God's picture and His plan are bigger and greater than anything you could ever imagine. These changes will only come about if you and I get our minds off of what we want and fill them with what He wants for us.  That is not always easy, my friend, but it is worth it, because that is where we find true freedom.

Wow!  How many times am I more concerned about "fitting in" with those around me - doing what others expect from me and forgetting that I'm not supposed to fit?  It's uncomfortable and even discouraging to feel like you don't fit in.

But I'm realizing that anyone that is going to really allow Jesus to change and transform them will find themselves "at odds" with those around them at times.  If I want what God wants, then my life is not about me. Ministry is not about me. My priorities and choices cannot be about me or what I think is best.  I've got to get over myself - I'm not all that - and be okay with whatever Jesus might ask from me.  And that's only going to work as I continually spend face-to-face time with Him so I know Him and His heart.