Too often, we compare ourselves with others. We are quick to think bad about ourselves when we see someone walk by, criticizing our bodies, personalities, or anything else that doesn’t compare to what they have. Did you know that God created everyone different for a reason? That he made us “fearfully and wonderfully”? Not only that, people who take a stand are special because they don’t look like everyone else. There is a line that separates people of conscience from the rest of the world, allowing the differences in how they act, talk, and dress to be clearly seen!

God told Christians to be different for a reason. Sometimes I can’t help but get sad when I see other Christians backing down on their convictions just to match the people around them. These are people who once had a strong walk with God. They knew who they were in Him — until they saw the world. They saw what they were “missing” and started trying to please themselves instead of God.

Question: since when does our life and our will matter? Why are we getting hung up on our lives all of a sudden, trying to please others instead of God? We are too possessive of our lives sometimes. James 4:14 says this: “For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.” What is your life? God made it clear in Isaiah that we are nothing but dust in the palm of his hand. If that’s the case, why bother stressing so much over this world? Why care about what other people think of us dressing different and even keeping holy standards for ourselves? Besides, the truth is that others want something different. Everything they see is the same. Modesty isn’t a concern any more; swearing is part of normal conversation.

We need to shine where we are at, whether it is at school, work or even in the supermarket. When someone looks at you, whether they know it consciously or not, they notice a difference. They notice your joy, your freedom from sin, your liberty, and your purpose in life. God has already called us to be exactly who he wants us to be. If we lived by the expectations placed on us, no one would have the strength to stand for any cause.

I’m not saying there won’t be pressure: there will. But pressure doesn’t mean we have to live in a bubble trying to avoid it. We just need to re-evaluate who we are in God and how he sees us. We need to re-evaluate our walk with him, our standards and our motives for doing the things we do. We need to re-evaluate what our life really is and start living to the expectations God has for us, even if they’re different from expectations. After all — life is only a vapor.

What are some “different” convictions you’ve held (or still hold) that have produced good results? How about bad results? Should people understand that standing out can be a positive thing, or is it right to expect absolute conformity to trends and fashion? Let us know what you think in the comments.