Remember days of walking the halls in high school and trying your very hardest to blend in, but also stick out enough to be noticed? I sure do. I remember trying so hard to be like all the other “popular” kids that I truly lost sight of who I was.
Those high school days may be far behind, but that same pressure surrounds us. Even as adults, we’re faced with choices to conform to the world’s standards and views, or instead be disliked, unpopular and far too “out of touch” for most people.
As I’m getting older and growing more confident in who I truly am in Christ, I can say that I care less and less about fitting in and being popular. I’m learning to be alright with being unpopular, if it means I don’t have to bend my will to things I know aren’t part of God’s plan for me.
Popularity Doesn’t Equal Peace
As someone who has had an unhealthy appetite to please others, I struggle daily with standing firm in truth when it could offend or upset others. In a social-media crazed world, it’s hard not to get swept into the never-ending cycle of comparison. We’re surrounded constantly with feeds, posts and articles telling us what to believe and support in order to be accepted.
The more we seek out attention from others and desire more “likes” on our social media posts, the more we get discouraged and feel unrest. Even with all the praise and positive comments we may receive, we’ll still feel an emptiness only God can fill.
When we grow in relationship with God, we tend to drift further and further away from what’s acceptable in this world. Even though it can be a scary place to be, it’s also the most fulfilling. Popularity in the eyes of the world, is often the opposite of what the Lord desires of us. If we focus on Him and His Word, and stop trying so hard to fit it, we will inevitably find more peace and contentment.
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” -Philippians 4:7
Standing Firm
As Christians, we tend to stray away from uncomfortable situations. We know we’re not called to a comfortable or easy life, but we still want to feel secure and safe. That often means we don’t stand up for what we know is truth and aren’t as vocal as we should be against sinful things.
We can love people well, no matter how different we look at things. We can show them the love Jesus would show if He were here on earth. But, we do NOT have to conform to their lifestyle choices. We are ALL sinners saved by grace, and therefore should extend grace to others. That doesn’t mean, however, we have to jump in with the “in-crowd” of celebrities and popular people to join in with something we know is not truth.
We must stand firm in God’s Word and spread His light every opportunity we get. It’s not necessary to argue and debate what’s right or wrong, but instead be an example to others. Be an example of love and grace and give others a glimpse of Jesus regularly. Accept and love others (not the sin of others) as God’s creation and remember that we’re ALL broken and in need of God’s mercy and grace.
Look Different
We often consider looking different as trying to stand out among others. While I think that’s partially true, I also believe it’s important to line ourselves carefully to God’s Word. Standing out should be shining the light of God brightly for others to see. Standing out should be showing kindness when others are showing hate. Standing out should be loving the unlovable and extending grace.
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your father in heaven.” -Matthew 5:16
We should look different from those who don’t know and follow Jesus. If we appear the same as those who don’t have a relationship with Him, how will they ever get a chance to see who He is? How will they know what true love and real fulfillment look like?
It’s up to us as followers to share Jesus with the world. In order to make a positive change and draw others to Him, we must look different. Don’t blend in by being silent, but don’t look hateful by throwing judgement on others. Remember that without our salvation in Christ, we would also be conforming to the world and placing our hope in hopeless things/ideas. Look different without looking judgmental and unloving.
A Call to Cultivate
Instead of looking around in disappointment and sadness at what people are following and how they’re being led astray by false hopes, try to bring a positive impact to the table. Flood your pages with encouraging posts, speak God’s Truth whenever possible and shine the light of Jesus on others so brightly that they can’t turn away from it. Try cultivating a positive impact on others that will hopefully shed light on who God is and draw others to Him.
It’s not our job to change people’s minds and hearts. We can’t shove the Lord at them and make them want to follow Him. We can, however, represent who Jesus is and plant seeds of hope.
Our God is big and only He can move people. We are just His messengers and followers, with a mission to share Him with the world. We have to be brave and stop worrying about what others will think. We will likely offend, annoy and even anger people when we share our faith. Take heart though; God is at work in the world and He will always carry us through.
“Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.”
-Psalm 31:24