MY FRIENDS, ARE WE CHILDREN OF GOD AND OUTLIER’S?

April 16, 2016

MY FRIENDS, ARE WE CHILDREN OF GOD AND OUTLIER’S?

Outlier, by definition is something or someone that lies outside the main body or group that it is a part of, as a cow far from the rest of the herd, or a distant island belonging to a cluster of islands. Or a child of God that is in the world but not part of the world. Everyone is going to the club tonight, I’m sure it will be all right, I want be drinking like the rest of my friends I’ll will be with. Of course I will have to order a sprite or a coke, so I want feel so out of place.

But Paul  tells us in Rom 12:1-2 (AMP) Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies [dedicating all of yourselves, set apart] as a living sacrifice, holy and well-pleasing to God, which is your rational (logical, intelligent) act of worship. And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind.

[While only focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you].” My friends now we have to make it personal because it is your personal decision to be set apart, and to be unique in character.

But, it is also our decision to be influenced by the god of this world and allow his “superficial values and customs to influence us as we become “tossed back and forth by the waves [of this world], and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful [and] scheming [ways].” Eph. 4:14 (NIV)

My friends, as a child of God, we must daily allow our Character to be “transformed and progressively changed as we mature spiritually.” And when we decide to give it all to Christ and become His disciple and take up our cross and follow Him wherever He leads, is the day we become an “Outlier” and decide that we just don’t need “things,” that this world feels we need or should have in order to conform.

Remember we are a “chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession,” 1 Peter 2:9 (NIV) because we “lie outside the main body or group” and we no longer conform to this world, or the things in it. “On that day [at Christ soon appearing] many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’

And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.” Matt 7:22-23 (ESV) How is that possible? We did everything that we thought was required to enter the kingdom of God. My friends, Sometimes it is not just about serving, but developing that personal relationship with God as we allow His Spirit to transform our character and “guide us in all truth and understanding.”

And then the world will only see “Men, and women who will not be bought or sold; men and women who in their inmost souls are true and honest; who do not fear to call sin by its right name; whose conscience is as true to duty as the needle to the pole; who will stand for the right though the heavens fall.” (E.G. White quote)

Every excuse we may give as the reason we cannot serve Christ, was challenged and answered at Calvary.