I had to look twice before I saw the cat, because it was so blended in with its background. Once I realized that it was just a cat sitting on a board, no problem.
For most of the human race, fitting in has a high priority. This is true especially for teenagers.
So, how does “fitting in” relate to those of us who call ourselves “Christians”? We have the benefit of both the Old and the New Testaments, the blessing of God that has gone beyond the Law and the Ten Commandments and even the unmerited favor of forgiveness through Jesus’ sacrifice for our sins. Should we go back and try to be first century Jewish Christians or ignore the Old Testament altogether? And what about the heathenish society we live in- should we try to be as much like them, so that we can “fit-in” and avoid confrontation (or worse, persecution)?
In searching for an answer, I found myself in Paul’s letter to the Romans and found there some interesting thoughts...
Romans 11 (World English Bible)
28 Concerning the Good News, they are enemies for your sake. But concerning the election, they are beloved for the fathers’ sake. 29 For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. 30 For as you in time past were disobedient to God, but now have obtained mercy by their disobedience, 31 even so these also have now been disobedient, that by the mercy shown to you they may also obtain mercy. 32 For God has shut up all to disobedience, that he might have mercy on all.
33 Oh the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and the knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past tracing out!
34 “For who has known the mind of the Lord?
Or who has been his counselor?”
35 “Or who has first given to him,
and it will be repaid to him again?”
36 For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things. To him be the glory for ever! Amen. (emphasis added)
33 Oh the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and the knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past tracing out!
34 “For who has known the mind of the Lord?
Or who has been his counselor?”
35 “Or who has first given to him,
and it will be repaid to him again?”
36 For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things. To him be the glory for ever! Amen. (emphasis added)
Romans 12 (WEB)
1 Therefore I urge you, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service. 2 Don’t be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, and perfect will of God.
(emphasis added)
In looking for an answer, I thought of Romans 12:2, but then I realized that the previous verse was tied into it. And then there was that “Therefore”, which led me back to the previous chapter.
As a Gentile who follows Christ, I must appreciate the Jews who also follow Jesus, because ultimately both groups are now one. Why? grace through faith! Neither group is better, for both have been saved by the blood of Jesus, the Christ!
Now, the dividing line is obvious; in Christ or out of Christ! Those who are out of Christ caused Christ to suffer and Jesus did not change who HE was to please them, he suffered in silence and presented both his body and will to God the father.
If we truly are Christians, then we must do the same. Stand out! Be what God wants you to be, regardless of what the world says or does! This brings us back to Romans 12:1 and includes verse 2.
Remember what Jesus said in Matthew 5:11ff.
11 “Blessed are you when people reproach you, persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 12 Rejoice, and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
13 “You are the salt of the earth, but if the salt has lost its flavor, with what will it be salted? It is then good for nothing, but to be cast out and trodden under the feet of men. 14 You are the light of the world. A city located on a hill can’t be hidden. 15 Neither do you light a lamp, and put it under a measuring basket, but on a stand; and it shines to all who are in the house. 16 Even so, let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. (emphasis added)
13 “You are the salt of the earth, but if the salt has lost its flavor, with what will it be salted? It is then good for nothing, but to be cast out and trodden under the feet of men. 14 You are the light of the world. A city located on a hill can’t be hidden. 15 Neither do you light a lamp, and put it under a measuring basket, but on a stand; and it shines to all who are in the house. 16 Even so, let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. (emphasis added)
Remember who we are Christians and listen to the words of Jesus!
Apply them liberally and shine, for this is the will of God!!!
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