We are meant to be different
From the beginning of the world, when
time first began, God purposely created something of epic proportions, and man
was at the center of it. He drew out an intricate plan to design a world full
of wonder, life and vibrancy. God shaped and fashioned a place so filled with
beauty, that even to this day there are still thousands of locations throughout
the earth that simply take our breath away. Natural beauty is out there in
abundance: sparkling blue waters of the ocean and coastlines, the aquamarine
reefs, teeming with life; soaring peaks of mountains, crowned with pristine
white snow caps; lush green jungles, exploding with new growth, blossoms and
fragrance; while white, black, yellow and tan beaches encircle the islands.
Then God added to His marvellous works
with His best creation of all … a man! He created Adam in His own image, by
blowing the breath of His life into him, and a son was made. No other created
thing is as special to God like man is. The angels in Heaven looked in
astonishment, asking “What is man for?” God’s purpose was to create a person
who was just like Him, not just another creation, but something He could treat
like family. And because God is holy, He desired His sons to share His creations
and live in holiness.
When man became corrupted and sinful,
certain descendants of Adam were selected to become God’s chosen race. He
called this people to be different from other nations; by stipulating a unique
set of rules governing their diet, appearance, and customs. In this way, the
Jews were set apart from other people. In New Testament times, we are liberated
from these requirements and external rules. There is a new arrangement that
sets us apart, based on inner values. With diet, for instance, Jesus explained
that it’s not important what goes into the mouth; it’s what proceeds out of the
mouth and from the heart that either defiles a person or defines a person. With
clothing, it was not the customary attire of the Jews that would please God,
but we are encourage to clothe ourselves spiritually in Christ-like virtues. The
customs of the Jews were replaced with heartfelt attitudes that would fulfil all
of God’s expectations. Christians have been equipped with the power and love of
the Holy Spirit to live this new way.
What this immediately suggests to believers
is that there should be a dramatic difference between believers and unbelievers,
but is this our experience? Are we so different in our thoughts, our
conversation, and our conduct that we are characterized as lights that stand
out like a beacon in the darkness? Do we exhibit a profound freedom from the
influences of sin? Are we indoctrinated with the need for outer appearance and
materialism, or do we value the beauty from within.
Ideally, our lives are to be so
markedly sin-free that our very presence and conduct is a constant contrast to
those around us, showing that there is something very deficient about and missing
from their lives. As new-born children of God, we have something they need and ought
to have. If we lack this impact, we need to evaluate our faith because Jesus
also said that salt can lose its savor and become useless in its appointed
task.
For those who value the treasures of
true faith, the Bible provides the guidelines that are the means to the end of
perfecting holiness by following the Christ who makes us holy. God’s grace
allows us to be forgiven, but Christians who continue to live in sin are meant
to be expelled; while ministers of religion, who are not shining examples, who
do not excel in holiness, should likewise resign immediately.
The Bible mentions that there are some
people who cultivate their own form of godliness and clean living, but that
they do so while lacking the power that leads to a truly godly life. We who
belong to God and saved by Christ, are called to live a life of power through
the Holy Spirit that is conspicuously separate from the rest of the world. Everything
about God is Holy: Himself, His word, His name, His ways, His dwelling places, and
of course His people. Our holiness is derived from an indwelling of God’s
Spirit that influences us to manifest godly thinking and behavior.
We
have a set of guidelines about Christian values, which when properly understood
and applied, has the unique ability to guide us away and distinguish us from
the rest of the world. By encapsulating these values into how we live, we
radiate the heavenly beauty of God’s perfect will. We provide the light that
preserves societal standards by exposing sin, as well as eclipsing the “good
living” masquerades of alternative philosophies that tries to exclude Christ.
