In her devotional You’re the Voice: 40 More Days with God, Christian artist Rebecca St. James posed a timeless question:
“Do people know we’re Christians by our actions and lifestyles? Can they see a love, joy, purpose, and hope that only come from knowing Jesus? Is there a noticeable difference in us? Most importantly, what does God see when He peers into our hearts? I pray He finds the bold declaration: ‘God reigns here!’”
The word “different” can feel intimidating. It means standing out, being distinct, not blending into the crowd. Our human instinct often pushes us to fit in, to avoid the discomfort of being noticed for our faith. Standing out as a Christian in today’s fast-paced, hyper-connected world can feel especially daunting.
Yet, the reality is sobering: for many of us, our lives don’t always reflect our faith. We scroll the same apps, binge the same shows, share the same memes, and chase the same trends as everyone else. Instead of boldly living for Jesus, we sometimes keep our faith private, tucked away for Sunday services or quiet moments of prayer. We might be willing to live passionately for God—but only if it doesn’t draw too much attention or invite criticism.
God calls us to something more. He calls us to be different in a way that’s impossible to hide. This difference isn’t just about attending church, joining a Bible study, or posting an occasional verse online. It’s a transformation that spills into every corner of our lives—how we speak, how we treat others, what we choose to value, and how we navigate a world that often pulls us in the opposite direction. Being different means living out God’s will, every day, in every decision.
We talk a lot about God’s will, but living it? That’s where the challenge lies. Too often, we’re tempted to ask, “How close can I get to the world’s ways without crossing the line?” Instead of pursuing holiness, we flirt with compromise, trying to balance faith with fitting in. But that’s not the life God envisions for us.
The apostle Peter reminds us:
Dear friends, I urge you as strangers and exiles to abstain from sinful desires that wage war against the soul. Conduct yourselves honorably among the Gentiles, so that when they slander you as evildoers, they will observe your good works and will glorify God on the day he visits.” (1 Peter 2:11-12, CSB)
Being different isn’t just about our own spiritual health—it’s about the people around us. When we live too close to the world’s edge, we risk being pulled into desires that lead us away from God. These desires are dangerous, subtle weapons Satan uses to derail us. But when we choose to live distinctly, we become a living testimony. Our choices, our kindness, our integrity point others to God. Even if they don’t believe today, Peter says our different lives plant seeds that can lead them to glorify God when Jesus returns.
In 2025, what does it look like to live as a “foreigner” for Christ? It might mean curating your social media feed to reflect hope and truth rather than division or cynicism. It could mean showing grace in a heated online debate or prioritizing real-world relationships over screen time. It’s choosing to love and serve others, even when it’s inconvenient, and standing firm in your convictions, even when it’s unpopular.
So, I challenge you: Live as a foreigner. Don’t just talk about God’s will—embrace it. Let your life be a bold, unmistakable reflection of Jesus. Ask yourself:
- Does my daily life show I follow Christ?
- Am I chasing God’s will or my own comfort?
- Am I different in a way that draws others closer to Him?
Choose today to live differently. Let the world see that God reigns in your heart.
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