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Be Peculiar?
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- 1 Peter 2:9
Peculiar is, well a peculiar way for God to want us to be... The word itself means to be unusual, eccentric, and odd. But being peculiar also has another meaning; belonging distinctively, exclusively to one person- being special and unique.
Yet, today many Christians are trying to do the exact opposite. Instead of trying to be "odd," they are struggling to fit in with a world that is quickly moving away from God's commandments. Instead of wanting to stand out, many of us are trying to blend in and go unnoticed. Honestly, I believe it is when we try to blend in, that we actually start losing who we are, and who our creator is.
Like a strawberry, each of us is unique, filled with seeds and hope. Each of us has been created for a specific reason (Jeremiah 1:5), and in a special way (Psalm 139:14). But as soon as we blend a strawberry with other types of food, the uniqueness of the strawberry becomes lost, and it's flavor unidentifiable in the midst of everything else. Perhaps even more importantly, the seeds of the strawberry become fruitless, being devoured in the mix instead of springing forth new plants.
Christ used another example when talking about loss of flavor in ones life. He compared our lives to that of salt, a substance that provides life. As Christians we are the source of life for those who do not know Christ. (Matthew 5:13-16) As Christians, we are the example of Christ here on earth today. But if we allow ourselves to become blended in such a way that we are unable to share the Gospel or proclaim the good news; if we sacrifice our values to fit in and lose our saltiness, what good are we?
God calls us to be a peculiar people, a people who others can identify as His. A people that the unsaved will look at with wonder, asking themselves what makes us so different, so unique, and so special.
Today, what will you do with the saltiness God has given you? What will you do with your seeds of life, the knowledge of the Gospel? Will you let others know that you are peculiar, or will you give up what makes you special to blend in seamlessly?
On August 31, 2008 by Terri
Lately i feel like i have been unintentionally conforming and i used to be the one who stood out, i trying to change but i just cant seem to figure out how...
Response:
Terri, I know it can be very hard, especially because we want to fulfill our own desires. The best advice I can give to anyone is live for Christ one decision at a time... now when I have to make a decision, the first thing I ask is does it glorify God... now there are a lot of times I fail (or ignore the answer), but I believe that using this method we will continue to get better at obeying the Word of God-- and that will separate us from those with worldly desires, and allow us to be a light into the world.
I wish you the best, and may God bless you and give you strength to accomplish all that He has planned for you (Jeremiah 29:11)
On August 23, 2008 by christian
Let me begin by saying that i really like your site www.simpledevotions.org a lot now.. back on topic haha - I cant say that i agree with what you typed up... care to elaberate?
Response: Thank you for your comment, I am glad that you like the site :D
By peculiar, I mean a people that stands out, or that is different from the crowd. Throughout the Bible God warns us of conforming to the world's standards and the world's ideas. Christ went as far as to say that we will be hated and persecuted for what we believe (as many of His followers were, and still are); simply because we challenge what the "world" wants [us] to do.
Keep in mind that while the word peculiar means odd or different, it also means unique and special- as we [Christians] are God's special children, distinguished from the world, and sanctified by Him.
On August 23, 2008 by blain
Good reminder of NOT fiting in with everyone else. being different is not a bad thing, especially when that difference is God
On August 22, 2008 by Terria
Wow so true this has definally spoke to me thanks!
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Jeremiah 1:5
[5] Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.
Psalms 139:14
[14] I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.
Matthew 5:13-16
[13] Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. [14] Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. [15] Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. [16] Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
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