Subscription Lists

Have you ever felt out of place, different or even a bit strange? I hope you have, because if you always fit in with those around you, you probably aren’t living the life you should. A Christian lifestyle will clash, stand out, be out of step with the world’s value system. If we pattern our lives on the word of God and the example of Jesus and his followers revealed in scripture - we will be different! “…My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord in Isaiah 55:8. God thinks and acts differently than we do; but if he is our pattern, we should begin to take on his ways and reflect his thoughts.

Godly people have always stood out. Exodus 19:5 refers to early believers as a peculiar treasure (KJ); “if you obey me fully”, they would be a treasured possession. (NIV) Deuteronomy 14:2 refers to the Israelites as, “chosen to be a peculiar people.” (KJ); or again as a treasured possession in the NIV. Peter states that Christians, the inheritors of the true faith, “…are (or should be) a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people…” (KJ), or “a people belonging to God.” (NIV) 1 Peter 2:9 “Jesus Christ…gave himself for us, that he might redeem us and purify unto himself a peculiar people,” (KJ), “a people that are his very own.” (NIV) Titus 2:14 Why? So, “that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” 1 Peter 2:9

Does that mean we should appear weird to get people’s attention? No, conforming to God’s word will usually make us different enough. In fact, the Bible cautions us to, “test the spirits,” that would lead us to and fro; not falling prey to new or different ideas just for the sake of their different-ness. What we do and say must always conform to God’s word.

Being biblically strange, peculiar or treasured should identify us as being one of a kind, distinct, something other than ordinary. Unique? Distinct? Extra-ordinary? That’s not strange as in weird, but different as in better - living a distinct lifestyle. But we must always remember that being distinct, separate, unique and called out is not so we can be set up on a pedestal or to separate ourselves from those who are not one of us. We are called out for a purpose. Separated from the commonplace to be prepared to do uncommon work. Distinct so we can be easily identified by those needing help and encouragement. Unique as an instrument of God for the betterment of mankind.

Some things seem strange because we are not accustomed to them, difficult because we don’t really want to do them. What strange or difficult thing is God asking you to do? Have you felt led to change a relationship with a boy or girl, maybe slow down or even separate for a while; to sort through your feelings, beliefs and expectations of one another and your relationship with God? Paul cautions us to, “…not be unequally yoked” (KJ) or joined together (NIV) with an unbeliever.” 2 Corinthians 6:14 Do you need to work more, change jobs altogether, leave home, transfer to a different school; one more attuned to your needs academically and spiritually? Do you feel a need to consider an altogether different course of study than what you started out with, possibly considering a less lucrative job that will pay bigger dividends to you and others spiritually, like the mission field or ministry? How about a change in friendships? We must be friendly with everyone while guarding our exposure to and possible acceptance of people routinely practicing a non-Christian lifestyle; Paul warning us that, “Bad company corrupts good character.” 1 Corinthians 15:33 Does there need to be a change in how you relate to your parents and family, your church and its ministries; love expressed through respect and obedience? Do you need to show more personal accountability at school in deciding whether you play or study; setting priorities that will benefit you now and set you up for a lifetime of success? (See Proverbs 10:4 & Ecclesiastes 9:10)

While much of this could make us appear strange, especially when compared to some of our friends and acquaintances, the Bible is full of some really strange characters we could learn from; or maybe they were just ordinary people challenged to do extra-ordinary things. Let’s consider a few now:

Adam & Eve (Genesis 2:15,16) God made man and put him to work taking care of the Garden of Eden. All his needs were provided for with one restriction. ‘Don’t eat from the tree of knowledge of good and evil or you will die.’ Why? Possibly because they weren’t ready to distinguish between the two; needing more direction and preparation. They did so anyway and lost possession of the garden altogether, being relegated to living by the sweat of their brow, becoming much less than what was intended.

2 Kings 5:1-15 recounts the story of Naaman, commander of the army of Aram, sick with leprosy. An Israeli captive of a border raid tells him of Jehovah and the prophet Elisha. Naaman went to Elisha seeking healing and is told to wash in the Jordan River seven times. Angrily he asks, ‘What’s so special about the Jordan river, I can wash in one back home?’ His servants insightfully suggested, ‘If you had been told to do some great (or hard) thing, wouldn’t you have done it? Go - do as he says. See if he is right!’ Sometimes we just have to express our faith by being faithful through obedience for no other reason than because God said so!

Isaiah, speaking just prior to Israel’s destruction and exile, named his two children highly unusual names; describing the coming events. (Is. 7:3 & 8:1-4) He was instructed as well to go about completely naked for three years, graphically depicting the outcome of Israel’s dependence on an alliance with Egypt. (Is. 20:1-6) Why? “I and my children whom God gave me, are signs and symbols in Israel for the Lord God Almighty.” Is. 8:18 The people weren’t listening - God needed to get their attention. I dare say he did.

James and John Zebedee, along with Simon and Andrew bar Jona, were two sets of brothers joined in the business of commercial fishing. They were subsequently called out by God to give up their business investments, their friends and even their families; the very things that identified them as the people they were, to become “fishers of men.” Matthew 4:18-22Loud, boisterous and unpredictable, they were now expected to be controlled, focused and directed to service-oriented obedience. (Peter apparently even left a wife, for a time at least, to minister. Matthew 8:14) Sounds like a lot to expect doesn’t it? But we are assured that, “…everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or friends for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life.” Matthew 19:29 (This however is not an excuse to drop our legitimate responsibilities and run to something new, but a call to place all our relationships and responsibilities at God’s disposal.)

Check back next week for more Biblical examples of … “Strange Things”

"'Christ in You...'" from Dale Krebbs

Origin Of Nations