Unlikeness

One of the basic principles of shopping is identifying what suits your taste - we look for what we like! Far beyond what we find appealing for outward appearances, there is basically one thing that looks good on every child of God: that is, Jesus. " For those whom He foreknew [and loved and chose beforehand], He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son [and ultimately share in His complete sanctification], so that He would be the firstborn [the most beloved and honored] among many believers." (Romans 8:29, AMP). It's so easy for us to be caught up in the world's crazy-cycle of wanting to look-like this or be-like that; for the Believer, however, Jesus calls us to be totally unlike what the world deems normal and acceptable! Just like He called Israel out from among the nations, so is His call upon those who are now saved by grace through faith: "For you are a people holy to the Lord ... the Lord has chosen you to be a people for His treasured possession ... out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth." (Deuteronomy 14:2). Notice God says "be a people" instead of look-like! To those who have trusted Him, God has given a new heart and a new spirit (Ezekiel 36:26). That, my friend, is what gives us an unlikeness like all others, Let us [then] take joy in our ... unlikeness!