One of the unfortunate symptoms of being “different” is the fear of being misunderstood. As Christians, we are wholly different than the world. They do not think or like us. Their entire worldview is built upon an entirely different set of presuppositions. So it is not surprising that we feel different.
But different is not necessarily a bad thing. Lots of people are different. I am a male, which makes me different than about 50% of the world. Yet, I am quite comfortable being a male. I do not apologize for it, and I am not self-conscious about it. In fact, I do not really even think about it. I just am. I go about my day comfortably being male, with all the idiosyncratic tendencies that being a man entails, without an inkling of fear or shame.
Sadly, I do not feel the same level of comfort and freedom as a Christian. If I did, I would comfortably live out who I am regardless of who was watching. I would not even think about lowering my voice when I am praying; it would not occur to me that I should leave my Bible in the car; no one could stop me from joyfully being who I am without reservation!
We all know that we are different than the world. But that does not mean we have to worry about that or have a fear about being different. We do not need to retreat from culture or become ostentatious out of our discomfort. If you are a Christian, then be a Christian. Live that out comfortably and with great freedom, because that is who you are! It is your identity as a child of God.
Why don’t we all go public?
“In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” – Mt. 5:16
