Abraham, often called the father of faith, stands as a defining figure in understanding what it means to be different in a world often consumed by conformity. He heard the voice of the true God, responded, and obeyed, despite the uncertainties that lay ahead. This act of faith set him apart, and he was later referred to as a "Hebrew," a term that could mean "one who has crossed over" or "one who is over there." Spiritually, this designation reflects his distinctiveness—he was not like everyone else. What made him different was not his actions but his unwavering faith in the true God.
Saved by Faith, Not by Works
The New Testament reminds us time and again that salvation comes through faith, not by our actions (Ephesians 2:8-9). This links directly to Abraham, whose righteousness came because of his faith (Genesis 15:6). Just as Abraham’s faith set him apart, our faith in the true God sets us apart today.
But this leads to an important question: how do others see this difference?
Faith isn’t just a private belief; it changes the way we live. True faith in God leads us to show His character by pursuing humility, kindness, mercy, and compassion, as Jesus Christ did. Like Abraham, we’re called to be "Hebrews," to cross over from worldly values and live as strangers and exiles, because our true home is in heaven (Philippians 3:20, 1 Peter 2:11). This transformation shows in the fruit of our lives, where our actions reflect our faith (James 2:26).
Different, Not Just Good
Being different isn’t the same as being "good." Goodness isn’t exclusive to Christians. Non-Christians can be kind, patient, and generous, and they often show virtues like those in the Sermon on the Mount. Muslims are willing to die for their faith, Sikhs serve humanity, Buddhists promote peace and kindness, and many non-Christians give to charity and help others. The call to be different isn’t to be better than others but to live in a way that reflects the perfection of God.
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus challenges us to go beyond just being "good." "Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect" (Matthew 5:48). This perfection isn’t about flawless behaviour but about growing in love, maturity, and alignment with God. When we trust in Jesus, God sees us through His eyes—redeemed, justified, and loved. This is the faith that makes us different, helping us shine as lights in a dark world (Matthew 5:14-16).
Therefore, a key difference is in how God sees us, not just in how the world around us sees us.
Faith in Action
When faith is real, it doesn’t stay passive. It moves us to act in ways that point others to the true God. Jesus Himself didn’t always act in the way we might define meekness or kindness. He rebuked hypocrisy, drove out money-changers with a whip, and stood firmly for truth (John 2:15, Matthew 23). To follow Jesus means to live out His character—humble and compassionate, yet bold and firm in standing against injustice and lies.
Our faith calls us to stand for truth, even when it means facing rejection, ridicule, or loneliness. It also means holding the church accountable, just as Jesus did when He confronted leaders who had lost sight of God’s purposes. To be different is to pursue truth relentlessly, not to condemn but to guide others to the ultimate Truth found in Jesus Christ. This accountability should be done in humility, love, and prayer, reflecting the redemptive nature of Christ’s mission (Matthew 18:15-17).
Honouring Truth
One the main distinctions as Christian is our desire to pursue the ultimate truth. Discerning and pursuing truth is a vital part of our faith. Scripture encourages us to "test everything; hold fast to what is good" (1 Thessalonians 5:21), reminding us that discernment involves examining ideas, actions, and teachings in light of God’s Word. Pursuing truth honours God, who is Himself the ultimate Truth (John 14:6). This means studying Scripture, praying through decisions, and seeking wisdom from the Holy Spirit. It also means being honest with ourselves—questioning assumptions and rejecting falsehoods, even if they seem appealing.
Discernment isn’t just about recognising what’s right; it’s about aligning everything in our lives with God’s truth. In a world full of conflicting ideas, Christians are called to let God’s truth guide their path and their witness to others.
Living as Aliens and Exiles
Living as aliens and exiles means embracing a counter-cultural life that prioritises God’s kingdom over the world’s values. This involves resisting materialism, practising radical generosity, and loving even those who persecute us.
It also means committing to the communal side of faith, where the body of Christ supports each other in living out our distinctiveness (Hebrews 10:24-25).
Conclusion
Being a Christian means being different, not in ways the world always understands, but in ways that reflect God’s nature. Our faith sets us apart, shapes our actions, and calls us to stand for truth, even when it costs us. As we live out this faith, we shine as lights in a world that desperately needs the hope and truth of the gospel.
Like Abraham, we are called to cross over, to live as strangers and exiles, and to trust in the true God who calls us His own.
Perhaps it is as simple as loving God with our whole heart, and loving others as ourselves… for this summarises all the law and prophets. This truly is simple! What would it look like if we put God above everything in our lives, and if we truly loved others (which means every single person on the planet). After sharing this ‘greatest commandment’, Jesus continues in the sermon on the mount to share exactly how to honour God and how to love others. And it’s radical! Seemingly impossible! Furthermore, some of His teachings were in direct contradiction to the ‘Church’ and ‘church leaders’ of the day.
It is not always clear how to be completely different from the world. Just as Abraham stepped out in faith, not knowing where he was going (Hebrews 11:8), we too may find that our distinctiveness happens naturally as we trust in God. A light does not choose to be a light; someone else must flick the switch or light the candle. It cannot turn itself on. This is our difference—our light comes because God switches us on. We don’t even have to try; we simply allow His Spirit to work through us.
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