From the Elder's Pen "Different" 09/01/02 Past/Future Articles

 The Christian is to be different from the world.  Today there is an element, even in the church, that is saying, “We ought not to be different.  We ought to mingle with people as they are and not be a “stand out” in our appearance or action.”  I believe this is totally false and exactly opposite from what the Bible teaches.

We are warned about how to dress (I Tim. 2:9-10; Rev. 3:18).  While the world sees how little it can wear, the Christian is concerned about modesty at all times, and is aware of what is taught upon lust and the shame of nakedness.  Christians must set a good example on our dress.

Our worship should be to the true God (John 4:24; Matt. 4:8-11).  The man who thinks more of Sunday School than Sunday sleep will be different from the world (I Peter 2:2).

The Christian home is to be different.  While the world is attacking the home and bringing every imaginable pressure upon it to tear it down, Christians look upon it as a divine institution and a part of God’s plan to meet the needs of man for his happiness (Matt. 19:1-19; Eph. 4:23-28).  Read “God’s plan for the home”:  I Cor. 7:2; Gen. 1:28; I Tim. 2:13; Deut. 6:7; I Cor. 7:39.

A Christian is to watch where he goes.  While the world is at a place of drinking, dancing, gambling and other such things, the Christian should be concerned about good morals and good examples.  “Abstain from all appearance of evil” (I Thess. 5:22).

Need more be said to prove the point that Christians are to be DIFFERENT?

gave himself to the work of God and God blessed him like no other before or after.  (I Kings 3:12)  Let us all strive to emulate the heart Solomon asked for.  A heart filled with understanding, forgiveness, and love for his people.  For of such is the Kingdom of heaven made of.  If this reigned supreme in the church, what unity and growth there would be.