Let the Difference Be Jesus

The Call to Be Different

In her devotional You’re the Voice: 40 More Days with God, Christian artist Rebecca St. James poses a question that cuts to the heart: “Do people know we’re Christians by our actions and lifestyles?” She challenges us to consider whether our lives radiate the love, joy, purpose, and hope that come only from knowing Jesus. More importantly, she asks, “What does God see when He peers into our hearts?” Her prayer is that He finds a bold declaration: God reigns here.

The idea of being different can feel daunting. It means standing out in a world that often demands conformity. It means swimming against the cultural current, risking discomfort, and sometimes even rejection. Most of us naturally crave acceptance, blending in to avoid the awkwardness of being noticed for our faith. Yet, Jesus calls us to a life that is unmistakably distinct—not for the sake of being odd, but for the sake of reflecting Him.

The Temptation to Blend In

If we’re honest, many of us live lives that don’t look much different from the world around us. We engage with the same social media, consume the same entertainment, and pursue the same ambitions as everyone else. Our faith can become a private, compartmentalized part of life—reserved for Sunday services or personal devotions but absent from our daily habits and decisions.

Too often, we’re willing to follow Jesus as long as it doesn’t cost us too much. As long as it doesn’t make things awkward. As long as we don’t stand out. But God doesn’t call us to blend in. He calls us to be transformed, to live in a way that others can’t help but notice something different—a peace, a joy, a love that points to Jesus.

This isn’t about superficial differences or being intentionally provocative. It’s about a heart surrendered to Christ, allowing His lordship to shape every area of our lives—our words, choices, relationships, and priorities. It’s about living as citizens of another Kingdom.

The Danger of Compromise

We often talk about “finding God’s will,” but the harder task is living it. Too many of us ask, “How close can I get to the world’s edge without crossing the line?” This mindset leads us to flirt with compromise, rationalizing behaviors that dull our witness. Instead of pursuing holiness, we settle for a faith that’s comfortable but indistinct.

The apostle Peter offers a countercultural vision in 1 Peter 2:11–12 (NIV):

“Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.”

Peter reminds us that being different isn’t just about personal holiness—it’s about God’s mission in the world. When we live too close to the culture’s edge, we risk being pulled in by sinful desires that quietly erode our souls and our testimony. But when we choose to live distinctly, our lives become a living testimony of God’s grace, planting seeds that may one day lead others to glorify Him.

Living as Foreigners in 2025

So, what does it look like to live as “foreigners and exiles” in 2025? It’s not about grand gestures but about faithful, everyday choices that reflect Christ. It might mean curating your social media to share hope and truth rather than fear or division. It could mean choosing kindness in heated conversations or prioritizing face-to-face relationships over endless scrolling. It might look like standing firm in your convictions when you feel alone or serving others when it’s inconvenient.

These small acts carry eternal weight. They declare, God reigns here.

The Challenge: Let the Difference Be Jesus

Here’s the challenge: Live as a foreigner. Live as someone who belongs to God’s Kingdom. Let your life be a bold, unmistakable reflection of Jesus.

Take a moment to reflect:

• Does my daily life reveal that I follow Christ?
• Am I seeking God’s will, or am I settling for what’s comfortable?
• Is there something noticeably different about me that draws others to Him?

Being different isn’t easy, but it’s what we’re called to. It’s not about perfection but about progress—a daily surrender to Christ’s transforming work in us. When we live this way, the world notices. And when they see the difference, they see Jesus.

Let’s commit to living distinctly. Let the difference in us be Jesus.