Be Different
walk worthy of the calling with which you were called
(1 Thessalonians 2:12)
Coming from a dry state, we were surprised by the amount of alcoholism among our neighbors as well as residents of the reservation. Most activities and gatherings centered around heavy drinking. Being teetotalers, our social interactions were limited to say the least.
We did not consider ourselves to be “southerners” but others did. It was one more thing that set us apart in our neighbors’ thinking. But there was something else that made us seem foreign as I was to learn the day my 5th grade daughter, Debbie, came home from school with a bloody mouth. She had been struck by a 6th grader named Kathy.
There had been issues of bullying before but this was the first physical abuse. Concerned that maybe Debbie had done or said something that triggered the incident, I questioned her thoroughly. When she denied it, I decided enough was enough. It was time to get to the bottom of the situation once and for all. So, with a reluctant Debbie in tow, we walked the two blocks to Kathy’s house.
On arriving, she nervously opened the door and let us in. When I asked if her mother was home, she said she wasn’t and she didn’t know where she was. (Later, I learned that was untrue. Kathy knew her mother was down the street at a friend’s house). I felt uncomfortable talking to her without a parent present, but felt it had gone too far to turn back then.
I began by asking if Debbie had done or said something that caused Kathy to hit her. When she insisted Debbie hadn’t, I asked why then she had struck her. After much humming and hawing, she said, “I don’t like her. She’s different.” “Your whole family’s different,” she added.
I replied that just because someone is different or you don’t like them, is no reason to hit or bully them. I said, “You and Debbie will soon be adults and as adults you will need to learn to get along with all sorts of people.”
“That’s what I mean. You’re different.”, she burst out. "You want to be friends with everyone. We aren’t like that out here. We choose sides.”
Needless to say, I was taken aback by such a statement, especially coming so matter-of-factly from a 6th grade girl. But it did explain some of the subtle treatment to which our family had been subjected.
As I look back on those times, I realize that Kathy and the others were right. We were different. Not because we were better than them. We just came from a different environment and saw life from a different standpoint.
As Christians, we are instructed to be “different.” Not by calling attention to ourselves by wearing certain kinds of clothes or shunning modern conveniences and technology. And certainly not in order to feel smug or boast about our goodness nor feel that we are better than others. Our lives are to reflect the standards set for citizens of God’s kingdom as spelled out in His word. Standards that many outside the family of God also live by.
The difference, and the way we are able to achieve these as an ongoing lifestyle, is because the Holy Spirit, Who lives in us from the moment of salvation, helps us strive to live by our Heavenly Father’s decrees. Though we often far short, our instructions include having:
love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness,
goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control
(Galatians 5:22-26)
Among other things, we are also to love our enemies (Matthew 5:44); love each other (John 15:12 ); do our best to be at peace with everyone (Romans 12:18); be subject to governing authority (Romans 13:1); and live quiet, peaceful lives (1 Timothy 2:2).
Father, You call us to a higher standard
than those outside Your kingdom may not live;
though we’re weak and often fail You,
our faithful obedience help us give.
Glenda Collins Inman
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