Different (adjective): not the same as another or each other; distinct; separate; not alike in character or quality
As I was driving a few days ago, the song “Different” by Micah Tyler came on the radio. I’d heard this song many times before, but this time was different (pun intended 😊). This time my soul responded to the lyrics as I recalled words I’ve written about in the past year.
“I don’t wanna hear anymore, teach me to listen
I don’t wanna see anymore, give me a vision…”
As the chorus began, I realized this could be a theme song for 2019 to go with my theme word “Shine”.
“I wanna be different, I wanna be changed, ‘Til all of me is gone and all that remains..
Is a fire so bright, the whole world can see that there’s something different…”
The word different is an adjective, it is used to describe someone or something. Being “different” can have either a negative or positive connotation to it. When we are in the throws of adolescence, we fear being different, but long for it at the same time. We want to fit in, but also stand out. We want to be part of something bigger, but yet be seen as special.
As Jesus is talking with his disciples, he points out that they will be different. That they MUST be different in order to achieve God’s purpose. Jesus instructs that although the world may value status, not so for his disciples.
But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant. Matthew 20:26
Jesus is emphasizing that a key character trait of his disciples is that they will be different. They will stand out. They will not be seen as “normal”. For example, “normal” might be being nice to your friends and family. But being “different” will require being kind to even your enemies!
If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Matthew 5:47
For the past six weeks, I’ve been participating a study with a small group at my church on the book “The Life You’ve Always Wanted” by John Ortberg.
The book states: “The heart of Christianity is transformation – a relationship with God that impacts every aspect of living.” I’m sure the lessons of this study lingering in my brain contributed to my new-found attraction to the song “Different”.
In this book, John Ortberg explains several “Spiritual Disciplines” including prayer, servanthood, confession, solitude, and celebration. To be clear, spiritual disciplines are not a way to earn favor with God; rather, they are activities that help us gain power to live life as Jesus taught and modeled it. Practicing these disciplines will require going “against the norm”, in other words, will result in non-conformity, in being different.
With each activity, moment, decision throughout my day…will I conform to the world view or transform into God’s?
- Prioritize slowing down instead of hurrying
- Pray instead of worry
- Perform acts of service and kindness without publicizing or announcing them
- Spend time regularly in solitude instead of in front of the TV
- Confess sins and wrong-doings to God and others rather than hiding or denying them
- Lean into God during suffering and trials instead of using addictions to numb myself
Being different is a sign that I’m transforming into a likeness of Christ.
You can readily recall, can’t you, how at one time the more you did just what you felt like doing—not caring about others, not caring about God—the worse your life became and the less freedom you had? And how much different is it now as you live in God’s freedom, your lives healed and expansive in holiness? Romans 6:19 MSG
Being different means I’m living into His plan for me.
Being different leads to healing and holiness.
Being different requires me to arrange my life so that sin no longer appeals to me.
I wanna be different.
Do you?