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REAL CHRISTIANS ARE A STRANGE
PEOPLE
Peter, in 1.Pet.4:3-4 tells Christians they have already wasted enough time
serving the devil, participating in the sinful practices of the world. It is
time for them to change their lives and spend the rest of their time (however
much time remains) doing the will of God. But in doing so the world will “think
it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking
evil of you”
Why is it that living the Christian life is considered to be “strange”
to the world? The people of the world have lived so long in sin and their consciences
have become so desensitized by sin that they have lost all sense of truth and
righteousness. So, when they see Christians no longer practicing the immorality
and wickedness they enjoyed in the past this seems strange to them.
True Christians do not think and act like the world around them for they are
God’s own special people 1.Pet.2:9. They have a different allegiance.
They now follow, serve and obey Christ, rather than man Acts 5:29. They follow
a different creed (belief, faith), one that comes from heaven (the New Testament)
1.Thes.2:13, not the words and traditions of men Mk.7:6-9. They now worship
a different God Jn.4:23-24, whose ways are not those of man Isa.55:8-9. They
also have a different hope for the future Phil.3:20-21; Col.3:1-3. So, they
are naturally seen as different and strange from the rest of the world since
they don’t follow the mainstream of society morally or religiously. They
do not let the world define and set the standards of right and wrong. They have
been transformed into a new life in Christ 2.Cor.5:17; Rom.12:1-2.
Even though the above things define the characteristics of true Christians,
there are many who claim to be Christians that will not practice them since
they don’t want to be thought of as strange. People find it difficult
to be different. When seen from a human standpoint it is not easy to be different.
To be different means you will be in a minority, and human nature doesn’t
like that. Generally, those in the minority are considered outcasts, rebels,
unpopular with friends and neighbors. The human desire is to be able to agree
with people and retain their good will. So when one varies from the norm socially,
morally or religiously he can expect to suffer some unpleasantness. Not being
in the mainstream is not very pleasant because it constantly puts a person on
the defensive, always having to defend what and why one does or does not believe
and practice certain things.
Why be different? What would justify people wanting to be different socially,
morally and religiously? Certainly it should not just for the sake of being
different. But these differences come because they involve matters of truth,
righteousness and faith which are diametrically opposed to and sin, error and
human opinion. Those who have strong convictions about truth, righteousness
and faith will always be unalterably opposed to error, sin and opinion. The
two sides are totally incompatible and the line between them must be drawn sharply
and distinctly 2.Cor.6:14-16; Amos 3:3; Matt.7:13-14.
But, today this line has become blurred because the world has infiltrated the
thinking of many of the members of the Lord’s church. They want to be
recognized as Christians, but they don’t want to be considered “strange”
or different from their friends in the denominational world. The religious world,
in general, offers convenience, popularity and entertainment to attract and
keep members. They are religious, but not overly concerned about being scripturally
correct. They have a form of godliness but deny its power 2.Tim.3:5. So, to
keep from being considered “too strange” some members of the Lord’s
church follow the path of least resistance. They imitate practices that are
popular but cannot be justified by scripture. The use of contemporary music
(spell it entertainment), family life centers, fluff sermons, etc.) may attract
people to the building, and keep the members from being thought strange by the
world, but they are still unscriptural and will keep them out of heaven unless
they change their attitudes.
Preachers are not immune from this problem. Their preaching has contributed
a great deal in blurring the line of separation between the world and the church
with indistinct preaching of “smooth words and flattering speeches”
Rom.16:18. They allow unscriptural practices because they are more concerned
with money, prestige and popularity than preaching the truth that saves Jn.17:17;
8:31-32. They shun to declare “the whole counsel of God.” Sin is
condoned rather than condemned Jer.5:30-31; 2.Tim.4:1-5. Many churches, claiming
to be of Christ, have developed a country club appearance, offering a cafeteria
style religion. Religion becomes entertainment rather than worship to God Jn.4:23-24.
Notice some of the churches in Rev.2, 3. Whom do we serve? Gal.1:10. The scripture
remains true, “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name
of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him” Col.3:17.
So, please don’t be afraid of being thought strange by the world. If you
are really a Christians you will be living a life that is radically different
from the rest of the world. Christians are considered strange because they are
different. But they are not being different just for the sake of being different.
They are different because they have been called to a much higher standard.
Jesus taught “For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds
the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the
kingdom of heaven” Matt.5:20. They want to be God’s unashamed workmen
2.Tim.2:15. They know God has called them out of the world to be His own special
people 2.Thes.2:13-14; 2.Cor.6:17-18; 1.Pet.2:9-12; Tit.2:14, called to be holy
as He is holy 1.Pet.1:12-16.
Yes, being thought strange by the world may bring difficulty in this world but
there is the assurance found in the word of God. Even though we are in the minority
here, with God we are really in the final majority Rom.8:31-39. We can reoice
in the knowledge that we don’t differ with God, only with those who oppose
Him. By serving God we have unspeakable joy with the promise of an eternal inheritance
1.Pet.1:4-8. Christians will be victorious along with Christ Rev.17:14; 1.Cor.15:57.
By Tommy Thornhill via the Etna Enlightner, August 8, 2016
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