You’re right. Your faith in Jesus makes you stand out. You’re different. To some degree, you will also suffer for it. Your reputation will suffer, you may miss out on certain opportunities, people will exclude you, you’ll get criticized…

Because of that, it can be tempting to play down or ignore your faith—in part, or all together.

But today I’m here to tell you this: The more you blend in, the more you fade away.

In John 15:18 Jesus said this to his disciples: “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.” And in 1 John 3:13 we read, “Do not be surprised, my brothers and sisters, if the world hates you.” And in 1 Peter 4:12-19 we learn that Christians who suffer for God shouldn’t be surprised by it, should consider it a blessing, and even continue to do good despite their circumstances!

We should expect to be different, and even expect to suffer for our faith. It’s a blessing which shouldn’t distract us from staying true to God and doing good in his world.

When we resign ourselves to blending in, we weaken our words, example and witness to the One who gives us everything good, and who delivers us from evil.

It’s tempting to blend in, to downplay the significance and Lordship of Jesus in your life, to “go with the flow.” But the blessing, reward, joy and meaning of being true to Christ is worth so much more.

Stand firm.

The more you blend in, the more you fade away.

By Matthew Ruttan

–THIS SUNDAY (Sept 8) I’m starting a new series called “CONTENTMENT: Being at peace in a world of more, more, more!” Click here to see a short video about what it’s all about, and here to learn about our Kick-Off service and BBQ with free food and a bouncy castle!
–“Up!” is published 5 days a week (Monday to Friday) and returns on September 9.
–Bible quotes are from the NIV.