Daring to Be Different: A Life Set Apart for Christ

 

Living for Christ in today's world means learning to live and walk against the current. The culture around us constantly pushes values, lifestyles, and beliefs that oppose God's truth.

Whether it's in your workplace, family, friendships or even your personal journey with the Lord, being a Christian often requires you to swim upstream. But we are not called to follow the world - we are called to follow Jesus.

Jesus said in Matthew 7:13-14:

"Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it" 

Each believer has their own unique walk with the Lord; this journey is not always easy. It involves denying yourself, carrying your cross, and choosing truth when it's not convenient. At times, you may feel alone or misunderstood, but your obedience honors God. 

Jesus also said in Luke 9:23

"If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me."   

Walking closely with Christ means renewing your mind through His Word, praying consistently, repenting when you fall, and trusting Him to lead. Even if others around you are compromising, you are called to stand!

A personal walk with Christ isn't about perfection; it's about remaining faithful, even when other areas in life has failed. Our identity isn't about our past, sins, bad decisions we've made, our identity is found in Christ and Him alone. As Christians we may fall, but as long as we repent with a sincere heart, we are forgiven, and we move forward with Him.

The workplace can be a place of pressure, to conform, stay silent, or go along with what's popular. But our job is also a mission field. God will place us in places of employment where we may think there isn't any fruit, but it's walking in the Fruit of the Spirit, the word of our testimony, and how we work and conduct ourselves in the workplace, that we display our faithfulness to Him. We are not cutting corners or lying and taking part against company rules. We comply to company rules and regulations and if that doesn't go against the Lord and His Word, then we must do what's right in every situation, but not also stand for any corruption but must speak out.

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify you Father in heaven." Matthew 5:16

"And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Jesus Christ." Colossians 3:23-24

You may be the only Christian someone at work ever meets. 

Stand firm, work with excellence, and choose righteousness, even when it's hard.

Among Family: Walking in Love and Truth

Family can sometimes be the hardest place to live out your faith - especially if your beliefs set you apart. Maybe you're the only believer in your household, or your relatives don't understand your convictions. That can feel lonely, but you're not without hope. 

'When my father and mother forsake me, then the Lord will take care of me.' Psalm 27:10

You must always trust and believe the Lord is with you if you stand by Him and acknowledge Him, for we know what Jesus said if we deny Him.

"But whoever denies Me before me, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven."  Matthew 10:33

Conclusion:

Yes, the road is narrow.  Yes, the current is strong. But greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world. (1 John 4:4)

Your faithfulness, even in the small things, matters deeply to God. He sees your heart, your courage, and your desire to honor Him. So, press on. Keep walking. Keep shining. The Lord is your strength, your guide, and your reward.

Written by 

Leesa Fernandez