Michael Mangis writes: “Faith means stepping onto the path that looks so much like it goes in the wrong direction.”*

This statement reminds me of the logo for the TV series, ‘The Chosen.’ It’s a program which depicts various parts of Jesus’ life. The logo has a bunch of gray fish swimming in a circle. A few turquoise fish swim in the opposite direction; they look vibrant compared to the others. It’s supposed to remind us that following Jesus is against-the-stream activity. Or, as Mangis wrote, “stepping onto the path that looks so much like it goes in the wrong direction.”

But we don’t do this just for something to do. There’s a purpose behind it. 

First, we do it to imitate Jesus. We are striving to walk the narrow path (Matthew 7:13-14) because that’s where our Good Shepherd is leading us.

Second, we do it because it is for the benefit of others. Salvation is priceless. The kingdom of God is hope-filled and powerful. When we live in a way that is consistent with those things—even when it looks like we’re going in the “wrong direction”—we are showing and sharing how things can be different (and better).

In Romans 12:2 Paul writes: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” This involves (a) an awareness of the “pattern of this world,” (b) that it is something we shouldn’t conform to, (c) that we should—with the Spirit’s help—be transformed by the renewing of our minds, and (d) base  that transformation on Christ.

If you go on to read the rest of Romans 12 you will see how this is for the benefit of others. Love, love, love. Blending in doesn’t lead to better; it leads to more of the same.

What if you being different was the difference someone needed to make a change?

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Notes and extra content:

–“Salvation before reputation.” Sermon or podcast. October 6, 2024. Click here.

–“Transgenderism and Sexuality – a Talk with The Union.” Click here.

–*Michael Mangis, Signature Sins: Taming our Wayward Hearts (Downer’s Grove: IVP, 2008), 20.

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.