Do You Fit In?

"I was so embarrassed and ashamed when you prayed out loud at the restaurant, everybody was watching." said my guest.  

My response was simply, "I was so embarrassed and ashamed that you would receive what God has given and not even take a moment to give thanks." 

These contrary viewpoints demonstrate whether we are more concerned about "fitting in" to what people may think or more aware of doing all to please God.  When we accept who Jesus is and what He has done (John 1:12) we became children of God.  We become new creatures who are born of God and now share divine nature; the old fleshly person of the earth is crucified with Christ and has passed away. 

In a discussion with the Jews, Jesus pointed out that He was from above and not of this world.  Jesus said they were from below and of this world.  (John 8:23) Notice the complete difference.  As children of God, we have been translated out of the kingdom of darkness into His glorious light of Jesus Himself.  Ephesians 2:6 declares we have been raised with Jesus Christ and are seated with Him at the right hand of the Father.  Verse 19 further points out that we are now fellow citizens with the saints and the household of God.  In short, we are not of this world anymore, but just His ambassadors that happen to still live in it.  

Obviously, the Holy Spirit did this in us and for us when we were born again.  However, Paul reminds us in Romans 12:1-2 that it is up to us to choose to live in this Spirit-given heavenly position rather than continue in our fleshly body and mind like the world. "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.  And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by renewing your mind, that you may prove what is good and acceptable and perfect will of God."  Choosing to receive and obey God's Word changes our thinking and our ability to please God.

In the Gospels, Jesus calls us the light of the world and the salt of the earth.  However, He points out that if salt loses its flavor, it is worthless and only good for being trampled on the ground.   Jesus, according to Hebrews 13:12, suffered "outside" the gate.  Then verse 13 follows, "Therefore let us go forth to Him, outside the camp, bearing His reproach."  Because of His willingness to bear our sin and shame, we cheerfully respond by not being ashamed to represent Him in a darkened and sinful world.  

Finally, 1 Peter 2:9 calls us "a peculiar people."  Part of the privilege of being a "chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation" is that we are willing to be different from the world.  The purpose given is that we may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. Paul in Ephesians 1:12 re-enforces this truth stating that we should live "for the praise of His glory."

Today the tendency or temptation is to be acceptable to society and worldly standards rather than being a light in the darkness.  Even many Spirit-filled churches talk only about Jesus' love but tone down the message of Jesus about eternal judgment, repentance, immorality, hell, casting out demons, or praying in tongues in order to be "user friendly" to the world rather than being true to God and His word. Yet many of these doctrines, according to Hebrews 6 are foundational to Christian maturity and obedience to God. Jesus warned "Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for so did their fathers to the false prophets."  The critical truth is that our choice has eternal consequences. 

So fit in or please God.  You choose.