So that the World May See

In our culture today, there is a huge pressure put on teens (and adults) to “fit in”. Because of this pressure, we are forced to decide to either go along with the world, or to go against it.

If we go along with the world, then there is nothing in us by which to separate us from the world, no one will be able to notice that we have something different, that we are different. Going along with the world implies that we do what it does. This includes big things like drinking, smoking, gambling, etc. But it also includes “little” things like dressing immodestly, cussing, dating, etc. I put “little” in quotations to make the point that a sin is a sin and no matter how small or how big, it will cause you to spend eternity in hell to pay for it.

Don’t take me wrong though, some of the things I listed are fine to a certain extent. Such as drinking wine at the Lord’s Supper, or using it as a medicinal remedy, that is perfectly fine. But when taken in great quantities to satisfy a lust for it, it becomes a sin. When done out of selfish ambitions, it is a sin.

If we go against the world, then we will inevitably be persecuted for His Name’s sake – for people will notice that we have something different, that we have Christ, that we are different! The world doesn’t take kindly to people who are different, people who don’t fit in, and therefore they persecute those who are different. May it be through words, attitudes, or even actions; you will be persecuted if you live out your faith in Christ.

Have you ever been to the beach? And tried to run into the upcoming wave? It doesn’t work, does it? The wave is too strong, and you will get knocked over. Going against the world is like running into the face of the wave. It is so much bigger than you, and it looks like it will knock you down, but if you are in Christ, then it will not knock you down. For even if it’s impossible with men it is possible with God! (Luke 18:27) With God all things are possible!

It sounds easy at first, but if you’ve ever tried to live out your faith and be different, you know that it is one of the hardest, if not the hardest thing to do. Our human nature tells us that we need to fit in, we need to be the same as those around us, but once you are in Christ you become a “new creation”! (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Who you are inside is what really counts, and you can easily see what is truly inside because what is inside will come out. Even if you think you’re a Christian on the inside, but you don’t act like it, you aren’t. You will know people by their fruits. (Matthew 7:20) You will know who others are and you will know who you are from the fruits produced.

So who are you? Are you a Christian only on Sundays? Are you a Christian only at home? Who you are inside is who you are, and what’s on the inside is manifested through your words, actions, and attitudes. Live out your faith so that others may see – so that the world may see – who Christ is.