Devotional

Dare to Be Different

Ready 

But ye are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His possession; so that you may proclaim the praises of the One who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. — 1 Peter 2:9

Set 

It has been proven that even identical twins have different DNAs. If that is the case, what is God telling us about our uniqueness? I believe He is telling us to be different, not to conform to the world’s standards, to be in the world but not of the world. I know this is hard and seems to be a paradox, especially in a world where we are told to be a team player—not an individual—or to play, coach, or live for our own agendas.

God does expect us to be a team player, yet He calls us to be different at the same time. In football, everyone wears the same uniform, yet has different responsibilities. We are the Body of Christ, one team, united under the blood-stained banner, yet all with diverse responsibilities and gifts. First Peter 2:9 gives us guidance on daring to be different. As we read that passage, we see that we are all on one team—in the world but not of the world—and that we are called to be different. God’s guidance on being different includes:

Selected. God chose you to be different from everyone else.

Servant. God called you to service.

Sanctified. God set you apart for an eternal purpose.

Zealous. We should be excited to be on His team, the winning team!

Go 

1. How are you coaching differently from your peers?
2. Are you coaching Christ’s way no matter what?
3. Are you spending time with God daily to hear His instructions and gain His strength so you can stand firm?

Workout 

Extra Reading: John 17:12–17; Colossians 4:11, 12; 1 Peter 4:9–11

Overtime 

Father, thank You for making me unique. Please help me live in this world while making a difference for Your kingdom. Amen.

Ministry