Being Different

There is a common thread we all share: we are all different. This should not be divisive. In fact, our differences should encourage us to be more understanding and accepting.

The truth is being different has never been easy. Throughout history, those who did not fit in were often misunderstood, rejected, or cast aside.

Consider the story of Jesus. He was born to a young woman who became pregnant before her marriage. In the culture of that time, both mother and child could have faced shame and rejection. But Joseph, the man to whom Mary was betrothed, chose to remain with her.

Joseph was a carpenter, and Jesus grew up far from wealth, status, and religious privilege. For nearly thirty years, like most of us, He lived a life in relative obscurity.

Then His time came, and He became a voice for those who had no voice, the helpless, hopeless, and downtrodden. He spoke out against hypocrisy, crossed social and religious boundaries, and showed compassion to those others avoided.

Those who were threatened by His message had Him arrested, beaten, and crucified.

So, if you feel different or find yourself on the outside looking in - remember Jesus. He understands rejection. He sees those whom the world overlooks, and His life reminds us that a person's worth is not determined by others.

Always remember, God created you to be different, and your differences are what make you unique.

So instead of trying to fit in and be like everyone else, what if we tried to be more like Jesus?

Perhaps then, we will discover that our value is not determined by the world, but by the love of the One who created us, redeemed us, and calls us to be more like Him.

John 15:19