Date: 10/16/2023

Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and to Him be the Glory, Power, and Dominion forever and ever and to the Holy Ghost that is yet abiding in the body. This month’s key phrase is the same as the month of September, “Be Different”.  Different – to be alive and sensitive in one’s spirit. Different – to show emotion. Different – to listen to what is going on in God’s house, ready to hear, to respond. Different – to take Jesus Christ seriously.

Ought not Christians be different? Ought not we be distinct, separate, not the same, out of the ordinary, unusual? Jesus Christ was distinct, separate, out of the ordinary, and He called His followers to be like Him. The Biblical word “holy” describes the word “different”. A holy person is not an odd person, but a different person. A holy person has a quality about their life that is unique. Their present lifestyle is not only change from the past lifestyles, but is set apart from the lifestyles of the unbelievers around them. A holy person takes Jesus Christ seriously.

Believers in Jesus Christ have been called to live this unique life and different lifestyle. Peter wrote, “But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy” 1 Peter 1:15-16. We may choose a married life or a single life, but it is not left to us to choose whether or not we live a holy life. Holiness is not an option. It is mandatory. My brothers and sisters the problem with being different is, we don’t want to be different. Why is that? (1) We value conformity: we don’t want to be perceived as being odd. We have  become an assembly line society. We are terrified of being set apart. (2) We visualize a caricature of holiness: We don’t want to become known as holier than thou, we think holiness communicates an attitude. (3) We misunderstand what it means to be holy: We think that holy people live in a far-away monastery, separate from others, any kind of fun and frivolity, and trade in their luxury cars, comfortable homes, and well-paying jobs.

In closing real holiness, the genuine authentic character of being different is none of those things outline above. Yet it is more than that. What does it mean to be different”  Next week, the Apostle Peter answers that question. What is the meaning of being different?  Until next week, remember, “…with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26b).

In His Service,

Bishop Dr. Calvin Worthem

General Chief Overseer/Senior Bishop