I look at those around me, from the Believers who sit next to me in the pews, to the non-Believers who have never felt the presence of God’s love wash over them. Yet, as we mingle in the world, the lines are sometimes blurred. It’s kind of hard to tell anyone apart. Is there anyone who looks different? Who sets themselves apart with convictions in their heart that screams that there is a God? Or do you look and act like everyone else? Does your desire to fit in cause you to be stuck in the elementary teachings about Christ, forcing you to mull over the same struggles you’ve had for years? This begs to ask the question why?

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Romans 12:2

Therefore leaving the elementary teaching about the Christ, let us press on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, of instruction about washings and laying on of hands, and the resurrection of the dead and eternal judgment.

Hebrews 6:1-2

Why are we holding onto the emptiness, the unfruitful acts that weigh us down? Why are we at the starting gate of a lukewarm faith, rather than proclaiming to the world that there is a God who is mighty to save? How are we to proclaim to others victory and freedom, when we ourselves are in bondage… willfully denying freedom because we misunderstand what freedom is. Is freedom the right to continue in your sinful ways, openly proclaiming you feel that God’s grace allows you to live this way, or is freedom saying God’s grace covered my sin, and I cannot look back. I am not going to willfully put those chains around my feet, and around my neck, allowing them to drag me and direct my paths. For I have a God that has delivered me and saved me from myself.

I have the right to do anything,” you say–but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”–but not everything is constructive.

1 Corinthians 10:23

Do you not know that when you present yourselves to someone as slaves for obedience, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin resulting in death, or of obedience resulting in righteousness?

Romans 6:16

Where is your light? Where is my light? Can people even tell? Do people want to know who is the Way, the Truth and the Life? Or are we more concerned about being liked? Being socially acceptable among people who may not see the face of another day.

I leave my house and struggle with the temptation of fitting in. Not knowing if my words will make a difference, so with an invisible tape over my mouth, I don’t speak. Should I always speak? Am I ready to be different?

For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.

Romans 1:20

Speak and act in a way that boldly proclaims your appreciation for a heart that is forgiven. Don’t yearn for temporary pleasures that will not complete or permanently satisfy you. People are watching, they are looking for hope; a reason to search for something greater than the life they are currently living. So if we allow ourselves to be okay with the status quo, turning our back from God’s purpose on our life, we must remember we are not only affecting our own life, but also those around us.

Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.

2 Corinthians 5:20

Nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

Matthew 5:15-16