CHRISTIAN YOUTH ARE NOT TO FIT IN BUT TO STAND OUT Christian Youth Are Not to Fit In But to Stand Out Print | Send to a friend | Bookmark | Tweet Tweet | | Back For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, that no flesh should glory in His presence (I Corinthians 1:26-29). Introduction Very often I see the youth concerned about fitting in with friends, at school, or in the society they live in. Looking pretty, building strong muscular bodies, having popular friends, wearing fashionable clothes, are the attributes and preoccupations of most of modern time young generations. Yet, are such desires attainable? Are such desires worth all the anxiety and stress experienced to attain them? I think, given the earthly fleeting state of the human nature, transient outward appearances; ephemeral situational friendships and constantly changing clothes fashion, (the price of which most often determines its popularity rather than its practicality), form an endless race with no finish line on the horizon. Appearance is a constant changing phenomenon during our growth and development over which one has no control. Popularity is generally a matter of perception, and social friends are circumstantial; usually coming in and going out of our life through the years. So, where is the stability in these often unprofitably sought out attributes? If that is the nature of earthly things, why is it then so important to fit in, when one truly will never find the absolute and final match? For a Christian youth, the focus of life should not be on the fitting in but rather on the standing out. That type of mindset makes a youth sensitive, wise, and hardy; capable of withstanding lifes wavering circumstances. Standing out produces character which assists in developing confidence. For those faithful Christian youth character building, spiritual growth, and participating in fellowship with other Christians who share the same beliefs lay the foundation for long term eternal success. He is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in flesh; but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter; whose praise is not from men but from God (Romans 2:28-29). Who Stood Out The best examples of those who chose to stand out rather than go with the flow are the twelve disciples. They had been ordinary men in their society following its cultural norms before they were asked to become followers of the Lord Jesus Christ. Some were fishermen, most of them were Galileans, interwoven with one another as friends from Capernaum, and many came from extended families. For example, before becoming a disciple privileged to write the Holy Word of God, St. Matthew was a tax collector and an unpopular publican. A Jewish tax collector was the lowest social order. Perhaps a Jewish tax collector can be likened to, on the same social spectrum, a harlot or outcast. Thus, we can assume he was definitely not respected, not of the right kinds of associates; and certainly not allowed in the synagogue. Yet we are told in the Holy Gospel he wrote with his own hand: As Jesus passed on from Capernaum, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax office. And He said to him, ‘Follow Me. So he arose and followed Him (Matthew 9:9). What Made Them Stand Out The answer lies in their determination to follow Jesus. Fully committed in fulfilling their mission, the disciples knew no half measure of responsibility. Their discipleship to the Lord left no room for worldly popularity; nor were they ever concerned with what others possessed. Covetousness did not defile their hearts which they kept purely dedicated to serving their master. As their faith grew stronger and their purpose clearer, fitting in got replaced with standing out for the faith they had become impregnated with. Because of their devotion and commitment there was no plan B for if they should fail. To be continued...
Posted on: Sat, 15 Mar 2014 12:13:49 +0000
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