Standing Out

“It is only by our purpose that we find meaning within the crowd.” ~Iyhia McMichael

About four months ago, while on an eight hour bus trip, our softball team decided to watch the movie Unbroken.   I had recently seen it at the movie theater and, I, along with everyone else sat frozen in our seats as the credits rolled, so I was curious to see how the emotions would stir amongst our team. What I was not prepared for, was how it would affect me the second time around. There is a scene early on in the movie where the main character is competing in a track meet, and his feet become entangled with those around him causing him to stumble. When I saw this scene, my spirit was affected in an unexpected way. I realized how often this scene plays out in our lives as believers.  We find ourselves suited up for the race of life, but we end up competing for the wrong things. We become distracted with detours that no longer shed light on the good, and we become engulfed in the darkness that we ourselves created, causing us to become a stumbling block.  In order to run the steady race set before us we must stay connected to our purpose, so our consistency of God’s word can shed light amongst many.

“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.” Romans 12:2 (NLT)

Once I saw that image I understood the dangers of being amongst a crowd without a purpose. It’s not that God does not want us to interact amongst the crowd,  but he cautions us to not become a stumbling block for those around us.  Paul warns us of christian freedom in 1 Corinthians 8:9 “But you must be careful with this freedom of yours. Do not cause a brother or sister to stumble” (NLT).  In this particular chapter, Paul is encouraging us to become cognizant of those around us in the areas of certain foods. We have to be sensitive to those who may find it a violation to eat certain meats pertaining to their faith. Even if we do not see the harm in partaking in meats we become a stumbling block in two ways 1. If we consciously partake in the eating of meat knowing how those around us feel about it.  2. If we try to persuade them to eat meat outside of what they believe is right. This may seem like a silly example to some, but Paul warns us to be mindful of the ways we could potentially be  a stumbling block. If others see that we are a respecter of their beliefs even though its in opposition of ours, we are able to show the true love of Christ which says in Mark 12:31 “…Love your neighbor as yourself” (NLT).

#REBORN #RENEWED #RECOLORED