Dress Differently — Scripture Reflection #026

John 15:19 (New Living Translation)

19 The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you.

Part of being clothed in Christ means that you look different from the world; you dress differently. Your differences manifest in the way that you think, behave, and act. You wear mercy, gentleness, and kindness, where the world wears revenge, impatience, and selfishness. Because of these differences, the world will not always accept you. Just like how a group of children might kick another child out of their group because he or she does not play the game their way, the world will reject you because you play differently. 

I have good news for you: God has chosen you to be in His group. You are called to be different so that when others see you, they wonder what makes you unique. It is then your job to point them back to your Father, who teaches you how to play His way. And eventually, those children will see how you and your new group play and will want to join in. Then, you can point them back to your Father, who wants everyone to join His group.

The Question: Are you playing God’s way?