Philip was sent to the nation of Samaria to preach the Gospel, alone(Acts 8:5). Jonah was sent to declare the Word of God to the people of Nineveh, alone(Jonah 1:1). Paul had to leave his first partner in sharing the Good News & venture out to nations he’d never been to with someone new(Acts 15:36-40).
I’ve said before that I won’t speak until I hear from God, well today my ear is stuffed. Also, I’m never released to say anything that I’ve not gone through or currently walking in. So if you receive something from this, know that it’s authentic.
In this encouraging moment, I’m going to be building upon our last one, Follow Through. If you haven’t read that one yet, I would highly encourage you to go back and check it out. It’ll help. Today, we’re going to discuss what it looks like go against the spirit of complacency and have a fire and a boldness in every area of our life for the advancement of the Kingdom and the glory of God.
Have you ever felt like the odd man out? As if no matter how many times you get around different people or settings, you still stand out. I’m here to let you know that that’s a good thing. You aren’t supposed to be known as common, or regular. You have been made one of one, completely unique.
One of the devils’ biggest tactics is to make you feel unseen and invaluable. How do I know that? Because he tried it on Jesus. Let’s look at Mark 6:3. The Bible says that when Jesus came to His hometown to minister to people, “Then they scoffed, ‘He’s just a carpenter, the son of Mary and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas, and Simon. And his sisters live right here among us.’ They were deeply offended and refused to believe in Him.”
Satan knows that God has called every believer to stand out and go against the ways of this world. That’s why he can and will influence the people around you to make you believe that who God has called you to be ain’t that special.
Let’s pivot here. At the beginning I mentioned a few Biblical examples of people who were called to stand out. Why did I do that? Because when you decide to be completely sold out to Jesus, there’s always a separation effect that takes place. Whether a separation from your will, the opinions of people, or the traditions & customs of this world. Jesus made it very clear(Matthew 16:24-25).
Paul spoke in depth about the crucifixion of our flesh and letting Christ live within us(Galatians 5:24-25). Now I know the Bible doesn’t say much about Philip’s mindset in Acts 8, but I imagine traveling to a foreign country by yourself is a little bit scary. And may I add to spread Good News to a people who may or may not kill you. The only way Philip was able to do that was by following the Father completely.
With that being said, I want us to take away something significant from the early Apostles actions. Being a real Christian costs you everything. There’s nothing that they wouldn’t do to fulfill the call of God on their lives. Paul suffered greatly for the Gospel(2 Corinthians 11:23-27). James even got killed with a sword(Acts 12:1-2) Despite all that & more, each one made a conscious decision to trust & walk with the Holy Spirit, no matter what the cost. The early Church understood that we don’t live for this current life. We live for the life to come.
Jesus said that we aren’t to lay up for ourselves treasures on earth where moths and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal. We’re to lay up for ourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves don’t break in and steal(Matthew 6:19-20). How do we lay up treasures in heaven? By doing what He’s called us to do(Mark 12:30-31). And last time I checked, God’s never wrong(Numbers 23:19).
For most of us, we probably won’t face the level of persecution that the Twelve did. But that doesn’t mean that we don’t lay our entire life down & follow Jesus in wholehearted obedience & surrender(Luke 14:26-33). In more realistic terms, it can look like our family judging/shaming us for our faith. Losing friends will definitely happen. Maybe it looks like losing your job or spouse because you’re a Christian. For someone from Generation Z like me, it can look like people unfollowing you, cussing you out in the comments & DM’s, and good old fashion slander. One I know all too well, it can look like being alone.
Sometimes this Christian walk is a Christian limp. Being a real follower of Jesus ain’t pretty, cute, or popular. The good part about all this though is that it’s worth it.
I want to close out by looking at 2 Corinthians 4:7-10. Paul describes that because we face hardships in this life for being a Christian, the power of God and the life of Jesus is manifested in our weakness(also see 2 Chronicles 16:9).
So from me to you, I want to personally encourage you to stand boldly & unashamed of our Savior(Romans 1:16). And most importantly, share the Gospel! The Bible says let the redeemed of the Lord say so(Psalms 107:2). You don’t gotta be a pastor to share the Good News. Get creative. In today’s world, it’s never been easier. Oh and one last thing, you certainly don’t have to have a microphone or be on a stage to be a worship leader. Husbands, lead your wives. Parents, lead your kids. Single people, lead your friends. If you’re alone, lead yourself! Your whole life is not only a testimony, but an example to those around you.
Yes, you’re going to look crazy to the world, and honestly, even to a lot of Christians. It’s just what comes with who we are in Christ. I like to think of it as an occupational benefit;) Let the critics, scornful, and religious do & say whatever they want. They can’t stop us(Matthew 16:18). We’ve been Set Apart to Stand Out.