Dare to Be Different

When I was a teenager I just wanted to fit in. I thought to myself most days, "Why can't I be more like ________?" (You know her girls, so fill in the blank). To have the shoes she wore, or perfect skin, or just the right haircut would make everything perfect. I would strive to be more and more like her. I soon discovered that it was not really helping no one was taking notice that I was dressed like her, or wore my hair in the same style.

So, I soon gave up, and went on to try to be more like "me". Then, I began to get more and more involved in my church youth group. I was 13 or 14 and all my friends hung out at church, going to Bible study, youth choir, and to my youth minister's house after church or we'd make a trip to Taco Bell in the next town. Those were good times.

The best part is that in those Bible studies I learned, that I did not really want to be like that girl at school, I wanted to be different. The Bible tells us that we are "made in the image of God." This is a true privilege that only humans can claim. When God created the world, humans were the only part of creation that he created in his image. He also made each of us unique. The only person God wants us to try and be more like is his Son, Jesus Christ. When I discovered this truth, I began to pursue it, with all that I was. I began to "dare to be different" from my friends or peers. Surprisingly, this was much more fulfilling than trying to be like the girl at school. I began to stand out. People took much more notice that I was doing things different than when I was conforming to the norm. It might not have always been easy, but it was the way to go. I challenge you to take the road less traveled. Because " For wideis the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it." Matthew 7:13 (NIV). I know that you will benefit from taking the proper path, I sure did!