LeadTip #27 You are called to stand out!

“Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Matthew 10:28

✓ Life is filled with pressure to conform.

It is easier to live life in a way that does not make waves, to seek compromise, to do things the way they have always been done. The problem is, what do you do when the Word of God contradicts the demands being placed upon you? The answer is do not fear man, but fear God.

Of course living counter to the ways of an ever changing culture is not easy to do. Most people would rather be liked and accepted rather than stand out as the odd one. Sad to say, Bible believing Christians in today’s world always stand out. You are called to stand out! You are the light in the darkness. This is a good thing not a bad thing.

“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light” Ephesians 5:8

✓ A believer is called by God to represent Him and His ways.

You are an ambassador of Christ. You are not to make decisions predicated on whether it is offensive to some; or fearing what can be lost by doing what is right and godly. This does not mean you have to be harsh, brash, hurtful, and condescending. It just means as a believer you must live your life as a fully devoted follower of Christ. You must honor God and follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit. God’s ways are higher than man’s ways.

“For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:9

✓ Obey man or God?

“We ought to obey God rather than men.” Acts 5:29

As a pastor living in a society that demands compromising one’s values and beliefs to cultural norms, I am always faced with the possibility of offending someone. Do I not speak the truth of God’s word? Do I not help people to live a life pleasing to God because some may find His ways, Biblical teaching offensive? But is not love concerned with hurting the feelings of others? These are all questions believers face daily in the work place, schools, among family and friends, etc.

Love has been redefined as just going with what does not offend those with unbiblical mindsets. But true love is speaking truth that will bring the favor, approval and freedom of God. True love is speaking and doing whatever it takes to stop someone from walking off a cliff. There is no compromising God’s word to appease man. A Christian must never submit to the fear of being rejected by man. Godly leadership is submitting to God over man using wisdom, prayer, patience and unswerving determination to win people to Christ by godly example. This is true leadership.