Articles
The Difference That Makes the Difference
Jesus calls us to be different. Here’s why:
1. Jesus is different from the world.
2. We are to be like Jesus.
3. Therefore we too will be different, and for the same reasons.
Could Jesus have saved anyone if He had fit right in with the values and lifestyles of the world around Him?
And if we conform to the world, will we be able to help save others if we think/talk/act like everybody else?
Jesus commissioned Paul “ to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in Me” (Acts 26:18 NASB).
It can be diagrammed this way:
Held captive in the darkness of Satan’s domain
↓
eyes opened by the preaching of the gospel
↓
willing to turn to the light of God
↓
receiving forgiveness and an inheritanceBut can we have the blessings of the light while staying in the dark? We must leave the darkness to enjoy the light! Not only will we be different from what we used to be, but we will also be different from those in the dark.
Those in the dark can’t help but notice the difference in us. They may respond in at least two ways: 1) resenting the difference (1 Peter 4:1-5), or 2) being drawn to know what makes us different (1 Peter 2:11-12, 15; 3:1-2, 15-16).
Can we influence others for Christ if there’s nothing different about us? How can we be like Jesus if we conform to the norm? And why would anyone want what we have if what we have is no better than what they have?
It’s the difference that makes the difference.
