Strange
 

by Terry W. Benton

The world should think us strange. After all, our principles have changed from theirs to a whole different set of values and guiding principles.
1 Peter 4:3-5 - For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles — when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries. 4 In regard to these, they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you.

We changed from a set of values guided by selfish lusts and desires, worldly aims, and pride to a relationship with a Holy God that matters more now to us than anything else. Whereas we “fit in” before, we cannot enjoy the profanity, the drinking, the immodesty and lasciviousness that guided and controlled our hearts before. Now we “fit in” with holy people, but no longer fit in with worldly people.

We must not fear being different and even being rejected as “strange” to worldly people. Woe to us if all men speak well of us. If we can fit in with everyone we are able to do what Jesus could not do.

Jesus was misunderstood. He was strange by other people’s standards. We would rather be strange to people than strange to God and His will. The Early Church was misunderstood. They did not set on a mission to be despised and rejected, but when their own internal values changed so drastically to “proving what is acceptable to the Lord” instead of “conforming to the world” (Rom.12:1-3) they became "strange" to former friends..

Previously we were estranged from Christ and had nothing in common with His holiness. Now, our sense of holiness has changed our sense of modesty and dress, our vocabulary and choice of words, our places of interest, our activities and behavior is in a growing process. Now those we once had so much in common with are thinking us strange that we do not run with them, drink with them, dance with them, talk like them, or think like them. We are strange to our old way of living, thinking, dressing, talking, but we love the new things we have come to know and enjoy in Christ. Everything is new, different, and better(2 Cor.5:17)

Now we think it strange that we were so blind for so long, and wish others could have their eyes opened by the gospel. Don’t be afraid or ashamed of being strange to the world. We should be ashamed if we are not.

 

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