Date: 10/23/2023

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”.  This week the Apostle Peter tells us what it means to be different for Jesus.  

It means that we think differently (1 Peter 1:1). Peter uses an analogy to describe how one is to prepare their minds. During his time men wore long flowing robes. When they were preparing to run or to do physical labor, they usually lifted their robes and secured them with a belt or girdle around their waist. This allowed them to freedom of movement they needed to perform their work. Today, we use the phrase, “roll up your sleeve”. In other words, we are to take the initiative in preparing our minds for the life of holiness. It requires effort and hard work. Our minds must be holy if our behavior is to be holy.  “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he…” Proverbs 23:7.  Also, Apostle Paul warns us not to let the world squeeze us into its mold. “ And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” Romans 12:2.

It means that we live differently (1Peter 1: 17). The natural outgrowth of our right thinking is right living. When we begin to think new thoughts, we begin to live a distinct life. Any man or woman who accomplishes anything worthwhile must have the courage to live differently because they are marching to a different drummer and are not afraid to be out of step. Hence, when a man or woman does not keep pace with his or her companion, perhaps it is because they hear a different drummer.

It means that we love differently (1 Peter 1:22). Love sets us apart. Love is the display of holiness. Love is the litmus test for Christians. It’s not just any kind of love. It is a: Sincere love. It is genuine, authentic. Like God’s love for us. Our motive is not to get, but to give. Deep love. It is intense, fervent. It means to love with all of our strength. Christian love is not a feeling. It is a matter of the will. Pure love. It is spotless, clean. Men speak romantically about loving from the heart, but God speaks realistically about loving from a pure heart.

It means that we talk differently (1Peter 2:1). Different thinking leads to different living, which in turn leads to loving differently, which leads to different talking. The words we use reveal if we are truly different or not. We live in a world that uses words to put people down and tear people up. Those who are different use their words to build people up. Words are powerful. Words have the power to edify, to give life, but they also have the power to discourage and to kill dreams. 

In closing, today the world has a desperate need for people who are different. As Believers we need people who will carry their faith in their religious positions, businesses, political offices,  into society, into schools, and in their homes. We need people who will be different even if it will cost them their social popularity, their economic fortunes, or their very lives. Jesus is the one that issues the drumbeat of the different drummer. He is the one that calls us to stand out of the crowd, to be distinct, separate, unusual. Jesus calls us to be different. Until next week, remember, “…with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26).

In His Service,

Bishop Dr. Calvin Worthem

General Chief Overseer/Senior Bishop