In April 2018, we had the blessed opportunity to go on a seven-day Western Caribbean Cruise. As we were boarding I took notice of all the different people from various countries and cultures. Everyone was filled with excitement and for most, it was a dream come true. I noticed as the days progressed, how people became much more relaxed. Yes, it was the sun, fresh air and great food, but it was also more than that.
People from all walks of life, no matter of their shape, size or background, got together as a unity with one common goal in mind and that was to have a great vacation. People started to relax more and by day 3, everyone was walking around in their swimming costumes, enjoying the pool and extravagant dishes, irrespective of diets. Well, for me, it was clear that people started getting more comfortable with just being themselves instead of having to portray some kind of image.
A few weeks later, we attended a national day celebration with many guests from various countries. People from diverse cultures, backgrounds and languages united with one goal, and that was to celebrate a very special day for our country. Once again, I looked around me and realised that although we were all different, we were actually the same. Each person had a unique quality and once everyone’s qualities were put together, it contributed to a successful and enjoyable event.
I want to share with you from Jeremiah 1:5 which says: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” Reflecting on my experiences and Jeremiah 1:5, I was reminded of the quote that says: “why fit in, when you were born to stand out?”
The question then, is, why do we so much want to fit in, when we were born to stand out? We were never created to have to fit in. God says to us in Jeremiah 1:5 that we have been set apart. According to the Collins Online Dictionary, set apart, means: “if a characteristic sets you apart from other people, it makes you different from the others in a noticeable way.” Many people don’t know this truth, for they are not in the Lord and therefore don’t know His Word. Not knowing their true identity and qualities in God, they constantly compare themselves to worldly standards, forever trying to fit in.
Knowing that we were set apart and therefore, special and different, we must realise that we stand out automatically. You don’t have to be pretty, clever, fast or successful like anyone, anywhere or for anything. You just need to be the best spectacular you, that you have been set apart, to be. Know this today, accepting this truth and living it out daily, brings freedom beyond understanding. People will be attracted to you, wanting to be in your presence, not even knowing why. Drawing this kind of attention, is what gives us the opportunity, in spreading the Gospel of Christ.
Let us look at some examples from the Bible. Esther was prepared and made beautiful for the king. She was only allowed to come into his presence once he called for her. She however, having faith in her God and knowing her identity in Him, fasted, prayed and with the guidance from the Holy Spirit, was bold and asked for a presence with the king. Even though he did not call for her, Esther stood out and got the attention of the king. Then, there was Joseph, who humbly waited for God’s prophesy over his life, to be fulfilled. He stayed true to his identity in God and executed the role God set apart for him.
His patience and humbleness got attention and that made him stand out amongst others. Joseph, not an Egyptian, in the Lord, was put in charge of the hole land of Egypt. Lastly, we have Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour. Although He is God’s Son, He had to become man, go through humiliation, was beaten and falsely accused. Even with blood dripping from His body as He was crucified, He did not say one bad word to anyone. On the contrary, He forgave the people who did those terrible things to Him. THAT made Him stand out and THAT is what got people’s attention.
In conclusion, my question to you is, are you focusing in your life to fit in or to stand out? Remember, God has set you apart for a purpose to stand out and that has nothing to do with the way you look, the friends you have, the career you follow or the salary that you earn. To stand out, is to shine out, the light of God from within you and that is what gets people’s attention and attract them to you. So, go out into the world and stand out, as God has set you apart and intended for you to do.
Love in Christ
Princess K