3 Ways You are Called to Stand Out and Be Different

As I learn more about God, I have noticed that believers are commanded to stand out and be different. As a child of God, you are supposed to act and think differently than the world thinks.

In everything that you do, you are supposed to exemplify and resemble the image of Christ. People will notice that you stand out. 

 

What Does It Mean To Be Set Apart for God

According to the MacMillen Dictionary, being set apart means “to make someone or something different and special. Or to keep something separate in order to use it for a particular purpose.”

In this day and age when the truth about God is being blurred, we have a desperate need for people to be different. This idea of being set apart is not one of the attributes that we love as Christians. We are prone to blend in and conform to the thoughts and actions of those around us. We don’t want to go against the norm in fear of being an outcast. 

Furthermore, as you refuse to conform to the world, you may become a target for hatred. However, it is not the world who is lashing out against you, it is Satan. Through deceit and malice, Satan tries to turn everyone away from God. You are a threat to his kingdom of darkness.

To be set apart means to act and think differently. It means God chose you specifically for a purpose to bring light and love into the world but not be of the world. As a Christian, you are chosen to live a life that glorifies God in all that you do and say. 

Bible Verses About Being Different From The World

Our call as followers of Christ is to be set apart because Jesus was set apart. Jesus was distinct, separate and out of the ordinary. Therefore, being set apart is not optional.

Jesus was hated by the world but He overcame darkness, and Satan has no hold over Him. You are set apart to shine light into the darkness. Because of Jesus we no longer have anything in common with Satan but eternal life in Jesus Christ.

When He is at work in our life, we begin to desire the things of God not the things of the world. Yet this is not something we can do on our own. We need the grace of God to help us be different from the world. As Christians, we are a new creation through Christ, our old life is gone.

1 Peter 2:9: But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His possession, so that you may proclaim the praises of the One who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.

Deuteronomy 14:2: for you are a holy people belonging to the Lord your God. The Lord has chosen you to be His own possession out of all the peoples on the face of the earth.

Psalm 4:3: Know that the Lord has set apart the faithful for Himself; the Lord will hear when I call to Him.

2 Corinthians 6:17: Therefore, come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord; do not touch any unclean thing, and I will welcome you.

Romans 12:2: Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.

1 John 2:15-16: Do not love the world or the things that belong to the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in him. For everything that belongs to the world-the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride in one’s lifestyle—is not from the Father, but is from the world.

Jeremiah 1:5: I chose you before I formed you in the womb; I set you apart before you were born. I appointed you a prophet to the nations.

3 Ways You Are Called to Stand Out

You might be wondering what it means to be set apart for God. By loving those around you and showing compassion and kindness, you will be a beacon of hope in a dark world. 

You Are Called To Be Different

We are called to live a life different from the world. We are not called to blend in among the thorns but to stand out differently than the rest of the crowd. The Church as a whole has been called to be set apart and be holy as God is holy. You won’t gain approval from the world but there is a far greater award awaiting you.

“Coming to Him, a living stone—rejected by men but chosen and valuable to God — you yourselves, as living stones, are being built into a spiritual house for a holy priesthood to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 2:4-5.

We are set apart to show the love of God and to live in such a way that glorifies His name. While you might look like a stranger to the world, the kingdom of heaven is extended to anyone who believes in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior and chooses to live differently. When you do, you will be accepted into God’s family.

You Are Set Apart By God For A Special Purpose

God ha set you apart for a special purpose. He has chosen you to do His work here on earth. Through Jesus Christ, you are given an intentional purpose to fulfill God’s will for His kingdom.

“We encouraged, comforted, and implored each one of you to walk worthy of God, who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.” 1 Thessalonians 2:12.

It requires hard work and perseverance. But you have been called out from many into fellowship with God. He is ready and willing to reveal His purpose to you.

You Are Called to Conform To The Image Of Christ

When Jesus was in the world, he definitely stood out. You could tell he was set apart for a greater purpose. 

Instead of conforming to the world, we are called to conform to the image of Christ. Our conduct and behavior should be a reflection of Christ. The Spirit works within us changing our hearts so that we are markedly different than those that remain in the world.

Prayer To Have the Courage To Stand Out

Your choices and your actions are a reflection of your faith in Jesus Christ.  Pray to God to help you step out of your comfort zone and remember that you have been given a greater purpose by the Lord to be set apart. 

“Heavenly Father, help me to have the courage to be set apart for a greater purpose. Set me apart so others might see your redemptive grace at work. Transform me Lord, through the renewal of my heart and mind. Create in me a desire to know you and your living Word that renews and restores my soul. May my thoughts and actions be pleasing to you. I want to glorift you in all that I do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Be Sure To Also Read

• I Am Set Apart For God by His Dearly Loved Daughter