Why You Should Be Different

what-makes-us-different-1250x560[1]

The dictionary defines different as “distinct, separate, not the same, out of the ordinary, unusual.” Ought not Christians, then, to be different? Ought not we be distinct, separate, not the same, out of the ordinary, unusual? Christ was distinct, separate, out of the ordinary, and he called his followers to be like him.

Here are four ways to be different.

Think differently. To be different begins with the proper preparation of our minds. Behavioral scientists have discovered that human behavior is determined to a great extent by the subconscious mind. To be different begins with our minds. The Proverbs states: “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.”

Live differently.  A natural outgrowth of our right thinking is right living.  When we begin to think differently, we begin to live differently.  Any man or woman who accomplishes anything worthwhile must have the courage to live differently because they are marching to the drumbeat of a Different Drummer and they are not afraid to be out of step.

Love differently.  Once we begin to think like Christ, we lie like Christ, and then we love like Christ. Love sets us apart. Love is the display of differentness. Love is the litmus test for Christians. It is not just any kind of love.  It’s genuine, authentic.  Like God’s love for us. It’s intense, fervent. Christian love is not a feeling; it’s a matter of the will. It’s spotless, clean.  Men speak romantically about loving from the heart, but God speaks realistically about loving from a pure heart. Love one another—sincerely, deeply, and purely—and people will know that you are different.  They will know that you are followers of Christ.

Talk differently. When we start thinking differently, which leads to living differently, which leads to loving differently, this leads to talking differently. The words we use reveal most obviously if we are different or not. We live in a world that uses words to put people down and tear people up. Those people who are different use their words to build people up.

Today the world has a desperate need for people who are different.

In Bernard Shaw’s play St. Joan, some soldiers are talking about the “Maid of Orleans.” One of them says, “There is something about—the girl . . . .   Her words and her ardent faith in God have put fire into me.”  His captain replies, “Why, you are almost as mad as she is.”  And the soldier stubbornly goes on, “Maybe that’s what we need nowadays—mad people.  See where the sane ones have landed us.”

We need people who will be different even if it will cost them their social popularity, their economic fortunes, or their very lives.

Recently I wrote a book on Psalm 23, Soul Therapy: The Healing Words of Psalm 23, that speaks to the heart, quiets your spirit, and eases loneliness. This psalm is a picture of contentment; it represents that mental state and physical place for which everyone longs. I share how Psalm 23 can comfort and empower your life. Click here to claim your copy.

About Rick Ezell

I am a husband, father, pastor, and writer. This blog is about shaping character, transforming church, and impacting culture. I believe that if one defines their moments then their moments will determine their character and their character will influence their world. I write on personal development, church leadership, and our changing culture. I also write about the resources I am developing and the books I am writing. My goal is to create challenging, relevant, and inspiring content that will help you be a better person, the church be a better parish, and the world a better place. If you are interested in those things, this blog is for you. I have served the church my entire career as a student minister and senior pastor. I studied at Samford University, Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and Northern Baptist Theological Seminary (eventually I will get it). I have written eight books. My most recent ones are Chapter 13: The Excellence of Love and Soul Therapy: The Healing Words of Psalm 23. Both are available as eBooks. I have written over 1000 articles for various local, regional, and national publications. I have been married to Cindy for thirty-three years. We have one wonderful daughter. We live in Greenville, SC. In my free time, I enjoy writing, reading, running, tennis, and golf. You can contact me via email or follow me on Twitter or Facebook. This is my personal blog. The opinions I express here do not necessarily represent those of my employer. The information I provide is on an as-is basis. I make no representations as to accuracy, completeness, correctness, suitability, or validity of any information on this blog and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its use.
This entry was posted in character, Uncategorized and tagged . Bookmark the permalink.

Leave a Reply