You Weren't Called to Fit In, But to STAND OUT!

Good Morning My Loves, Yesterday I decided to get my nails done. I have worn acrylic nails for years, and in December I took them off. The place where I used to go was operated by Buddhists, and my nail girl always used to say, “You stand out! You different! You always happy!” I shared with her that my happiness came from my God, Jesus Christ. I shared the gospel with her, and even though I didn’t lead her in the sinners prayer, I told her how she could receive Him into her heart. I was the only customer that she would throw her arms around and hug when leaving the store, and say “I love you my friend!” You see, everyone was her friend, but she didn’t tell everyone that she loved them. I know she loved me, first of all, because I tip VERY WELL, secondly, because I make it a point to be loving and Jesus with skin on to every person who waits on me in any way. I want to stand out for Christ. I always want an opportunity to share Jesus with others. So, I decided to go to a different salon yesterday. My daughter Simone has been going to a new one, and really liked it, so I thought, “I’ll try it out and maybe I’ll lead someone new to the Lord.” I walked in, and immediately I felt the presence of the Lord. I looked around and there was not one buddha. Every worker in that salon “stood out to me.” There was light on them. I thought, “They are believers.” I got my pedicure first, and the lady kept smiling at me. I could tell she didn’t speak much english. However, there was a quickening in my spirit as I looked at her. Finally, the girl that was going to do my nails came over and said, “You really stand out. You different. You so happy!:-)” I laughed out loud and said, “So do all of you.” I noticed a small diamond cross around her neck, so I asked “Are you Christians?” She said, “YES! YOU ARE A CHRISTIAN TOO!” It wasn’t a question, it was a statement. I had said nothing other than smile and ask a question. However it was obvious to all of them that I was a Christian. I didn’t have a cross on, nor was I carrying my Bible! I was simply smiling. She said something in Vietnamese and we all laughed. I was so happy in my heart that I stood out to them, and that they saw Jesus in me, and they were happy that they stood out, and that I saw Him in them! My beloved, I’m sharing this story with you because I see many that struggle with standing out, because they want to fit in. God didn’t call us to fit in, He called us to STAND OUT! Realizing that you don’t fit into the dark culture around you, and that you are radiating the light of Jesus Christ should be your normal. Jesus said, “You are the light of (Christ to) the world. A city set on a hill CANNOT BE HIDDEN: (Matthew 5:14) You weren’t called to be hidden, and the same as everyone else. You were called to be seen, to stand out, to think and act different! The Word of God says:

2 And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be [a]transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [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]. (Romans 12:2 AMP) I want to encourage you today. In a world where we put so much emphasis on being “liked,” “accepted,” “wanted,” and to fit in, it can leave us feeling awkward when we realize that we simply don’t fit into this world’s mold. We must realize that WE AREN’T SUPPOSED TO FIT IN, BUT TO STAND OUT! It’s not just a good thing to not fit in, it’s a GOD THING! So, straighten your shoulders. Stand up tall, let the light of Jesus radiate from you, and get out there and STAND OUT! The world needs your uniqueness, and it definitely needs your Light - The Lord Jesus Christ!