Standing Out vs. Fitting In

Some things to think about (a few random paragraphs, loosely connected)...
These thoughts were inspired by meeting with BUILT guys from Camp Cherith 1-19-19. 

It is in our human nature to fit in. We generally want to look like, be like, act like, dress like our peers, those around us. We generally are full of pride and concerned with our image. From this place we are OK standing out if we won or out did our peers such as being faster, better, smarter, having more, doing more, etc. Winning (standing out, competing) unfortunately carries the risk of making others feel like they are "less" since in this case you are "more". Hmmmmm, doesn't seem like winning is good to me.

Everybody gets a trophy. Is this good or bad? Let's look at it in two areas: First, consider a race in track and field... The 5th graders are told to run the race as fast as they can to win first place. Give it your best try! If after the race, they all get the same recognition, what does that say? The problem arises when we mistake "First Place" as meaning your are better than the others (see competition in the paragraph above). In reality, "First Place" just means that you were the fastest runner that day. Congratulations!! Now let's consider "everybody gets a trophy" from God's perspective: Amazing Grace. In this case, we (if we believe in Jesus) all get the prize (eternal life). God puts us all on the same level and freely gives eternal life to the thief on the cross and the Christian who followed Jesus and loved others every step of the way. I think this is good and humbling because it reminds us that we are all sinners and we all need Jesus. This sets us up to humbly serve one another because we are all in the same boat (sinners saved by amazing grace).

So back to "fitting in" with regards to our faith: In our human nature, we want to fit in; this also applies to our faith. We don't want to be different or stand out because we are a Christian. I think there are two ways of looking at this: The first (self-centered) isn't fruitful or good, but the second (Christ-following) is very fruitful. The self-centered view says that, I don't want to say I'm a Christian, carry a Bible and let them know I go to church every Sunday. They might judge me as different and weird and I want to fit in. The Christ-following view says that I will be loving and kind to everyone, just like Jesus. If I stand out, let me be weird because I love others (not because I'm a Christian or because I go to church). "They will know that we are Christians by our love." (John 13:35) In the Christ-following view we stand out for leading by example and laying down our lives for others (John 15:13) and everybody wins the more we all do this (God's amazing grace). I think this is a good idea. :)

So I hope that you can ponder and think a bit on these topics. My prayer is that if we stand out, if we are weird, different and don't fit in, it is because we have received God's grace/forgiveness/love and that we freely give it to others. May we be known for this and may it turn others to the Giver of Grace and all good things. To God be the glory. Amen.