Christianity Oasis Forum

[cimi]

February 1
friday


DARE TO BE
DIFFERENT

READ:
2 Cor. 5:2-21
_______________________________

Now then, we are
ambassadors for Christ.
__2 Corinthians 5:20
_______________________________

Since my dad was a pastor, I got stuck with the label known to every pastor's kid: PK. But, much to the congregations disappointment, the title didn't stop me from being my mischievous little self. I can't count the times I heard, "Little Joe, you're the pastor's on. You should be an example." But I didn't want to be an example! I was only 5 and wanted to have fun with my friends!

Let's face it, being an example is often about being different. But most of us don't want to be different. We want people to like us, and the safest way to do that is to blend in. But following Christ has never been about blending in. Following Him means to be like Him, to respond to life and relate to people as He did. It's a little risky and uncomfortable to be different. But that's what being an "ambassador for Christ" (2 Cor. 5;20) is all about--bringing the wonderful difference of your King to bear on the territory you've been assigned: your home, your office, your friendships. Representing the King is not just our calling; it's a great honor.

In retrospect, I can see how my antics as a PK reflected poorly on my dad. It's motivating to remember that our non-Jesus attitudes and actions also reflect poorly on our King.

Make a difference by daring to be different! __Joe Stowel
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~~~~~~~~~~~~~As an example of good to mankind;~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~Help them to see the patterns of thee,~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~Shining in beauty, lived out in me. __Newer~~~~~~~~
_____________________________________________________________

Dare to be different--for the Father's sake.

***********Today's Bible Reading __ 2 Corinthians 5:12-21***********

12 For we do not commend
ourselves again to you, but
give you opportunity to
boast on our behalf, that
you may have an answer for
those who boast in
appearance and not in heart.

13 for if we are beside
ourselves, it is for God; or
if we are of sound mind, it
is for you. 14 For the love of
Christ compels us, because
we judge thus: that if One
died for all, then all died;

15 and He died for all, that
those who live should live
no longer for themselves,
but for Him who died for
them and rose again.

16 Therefore, from now on,
we regard no one according
to the flesh. Even though
we have known Christ
according to the flesh, yet
now we know Him thus no
longer. 17 Therefore, if
anyone is in Christ, he is a
new creation; old things
have passed away; behold,
all things have become new.

18 Now all things are of
God, who has reconciled us
to Himself through Jesus
Christ, and has given us the
ministry of reconciliation,

19 that is, that God was in
Christ reconciling the world
to himself, not imputing
their trespasses to them, and
has committed to us the
word of reconciliation.

20 Now then, we are
ambassadors for Christ, as
though God were pleading
through us; we implore you
on Christ's behalf, be
reconciled to God. 31 For
He made Him who knew no
sin to be sin for us, that we
might become the
righteousness of God in
Him.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>INSIGHT<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

In the final verses of today's Bible reading, we are challenged to a
"ministry of reconcilation" (vv.18-20). This ministry calls us to share
with others how they can be brought into right relationship with
God. It is the ministry of evangelism! __WEC

[Mackenaw]

AWESOME!!!

Thank You Holy Spirit.

Thank you, Cimi, for posting this.

Love and God's blessings to you,
Mack