But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 1st Peter 2:9 NIV

They looked strange and out of place. You could tell in an instant that they were not from this country. They did not even have to open their mouths to let their accent give them away. The brigade of boys all wore khaki shorts and button up shirts. Their socks came almost to the knee and folded over at the top, but most times bunched around their ankles. On their feet, they wore soft leather shoes of the same color. Everywhere they went people stopped to stare at them curiously. In their own country, they would not have stood out at all. The person who believes in Jesus is also different. Are we chosen out of this world to be a special kind of person too?

The Bible reminds us time and time again that we are not like the rest of the crowd. Those who will look to Christ as our Savior will be different. This does not mean that we must dress differently or have a funny accent. It means that our hearts are set aside for God. We may very well stand out in sharp contrast to the people around us who only look to themselves to pamper or adore. While the rest fumble around in the darkness preoccupied with only themselves, we can step out into the piercing Light of Jesus. We can praise our Father in Heaven who purchased us at a costly price. We can be a chosen, holy people who belong to the Almighty God! Who cares that the world will look at us as different! Let´s choose to be God´s chosen people, draw near to Him and stay there forever!

Dear Lord,

Let our difference be that we belong to You! Make us into Your people, Your nation, and Yours for all time, we pray!

Amen