Encountering an extraordinary God in ordinary life
Issue # 252 September 06, 2001
Standing Apart

I walked around the lake early yesterday morning. The water was as still as glass and the mist was rising in wispy trails.

As I walked, I saw a single amaranth plant, with its bright red seed head showing above the green of everything surrounding it. Even if I didn’t know what the plant was, it would have been impossible to not notice that it was different somehow.

We’re called to be like that plant and stand out from the crowd. Not because of theatrics, or gimmicks, but because of the way we live our lives as Christians.

People don’t have to know we’re Christians, but we should stand out because of our lifestyle. The attitude of love, compassion and peace should be attractive to them and make them want to find out why we are different.

God chose an entire nation, Israel, to show the world who He was and draw that hurting world to Himself. He gave them the Law, not as a means of salvation, but as a means of standing apart from the nations around them.

Like the Israelites of old, we’re called to be set apart. Not by setting ourselves up in isolated little colonies or within the walls of a church on Sunday morning, but by the way we live.

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." John 13:34-35 NIV

Would someone who just met you, or watched you for a while, know you are different without you having to say “I’m a Christian” or carrying a big Bible?

I’m not suggesting we move into the realm of strict, boring, judgmental, legalism, where we must all be set apart by the sour looks on our faces. We all know Christians like that, who are set apart, but their cold hearts and joyless lives turn people from God, not to Him.

I’m saying that our lives should manifest the love and joy of Jesus. Our very lives should bear witness to His love.

Until next time, may your hope, love and joy set you apart for all the world to see.

God bless.

Kevin