Be different

Image by Ninos_Gun via Flickr

"Be different" By Diane Webb


John 15:19--"If ye were of the world, the world would love his own; but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you".


People who are not "of this world" have their minds, talents, and energies focused on something beyond material or earthly concerns. A Christian who has priorities on God does not seem to be overly concerned about things of this world. They don't always dress in the latest styles. Their haircut may be decades out of date. They may not be driving a late model car. Their self-worth does not seem to relate to material things or the opinion of others. They do not worry if others think they are old fashioned, out of step with the rest of the world, or strange. They are un-cool by the standards of the world. People of this world are concerned about earthly matters—houses, cars, jobs, clothes, pets, jewelry, or the latest electronics. It's about fitting in. The disciples did not fit in which made others hate them. The desire to fit in causes us to conform to the standards of the world. From childhood through adult hood humans have a built in desire to fit in with others. When we do not succumb to this pressure then others really have no power over us; this is where the hatred comes in. If someone cannot control us by our desire to be like them then people lose their power over us. When someone feels powerless, it inspires fear which then leads to hatred. The root of hatred is often, fear. When you cannot manipulate or control someone, you cannot predict their behavior in relation to you. Hatred based on fear is about control. Jesus could not be controlled. He was not afraid of the religious leaders and he was not afraid of those in power or government. He had his mind focused on his Godly priorities and the earthly ones were trivial to him. This made those who were in control hate him. When individuals have spent their lives building up power based on rules, regulations, image, or success; they are most threatened by someone who does not care for these things. There was an older gentleman who boarded a plane and took his seat. The passenger next to him, a famous movie star, was astonished to realize the gentleman did not recognize him. The movie star was further surprised that even his name, once given, was not familiar. The star was at a loss when his worldly power and prestige was not acknowledged. The older gentleman just shrugged and was obviously unimpressed. There was a woman who had grown up mostly sheltered from illegal drug use which, in the 1970's, was rare. As an adult, she was ignorant of much related to the drug culture of her part of the country. She inwardly was amused at another adult's routine efforts to put her down for her lack of "street smarts". It was as if they were trying to make her feel ashamed for not using illegal drugs (which she did not). People "of the world" want you to be "of the world". When you are not "of the world" they will often put you down for being different. Their goal is for you to be like them. As Christians, Jesus warns, you are not of the world. You will not fit in. You will be made fun of in obvious and not-so-obvious ways. People will hate you. Take heart and be glad when this happens. It can be your sign you are on the right track—not of this world means you belong to God. You have been chosen out of this world but are not part of this world.


My Father, help me recognize I am your child and, as such, I am not of this world. Take from me any desire to fit in or be a part of this world. Like the disciples, give me the courage to be different and not be ashamed. I ask this in the name of Jesus, Amen.