Dare to be Different

On the way home from Tennessee as I watched the scenery I was struck by the beauty of a single tree whose leaves had turned red. It was surrounded by tree, after tree, after tree sporting green leaves. It stood out:

like a sore thumb it was obvious;

it was a beacon, calling me to dare to be different;

as an invitation to be willing to be the first to change.

I am convinced that God has not called us to blend in. 

I think that as we follow Him we will stand out:

like a sore thumb-it should be obvious we are not like all the others;

we are to be a beacon-pointing others to Jesus, 

the source of the light shining out of us;

we are to live lives that are an invitation 

to others to join us in this changed life.

I dare you.

I double dog dare you.

I triple dog dare you.

Dare to be different.

In a world with a skewed view of what love is,

be willing to be stand out.

If you need to, be the first to change.

Be a beacon, live a life of invitation to beauty.

"Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary,"if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head." 

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."

Romans 12:9-21