https://odb.org/MY/2023/07/05/mimic-jesus
There are people who like to stand out to be different. So if everyone wears shades of white, they will wear colour like maybe purple or pink. Or if, like in Malaysia, people have black hair, there are people who like to dye their hair to a shade of blonde or ginger (brunette). There is thus a pull towards individualism, but the motivation is usually self glorification. We want to be different, so we stand out to be admired, adored, or praised. So, a few drive Audis and Maseratis in the sea of Mercs and Beemers.
But in general, people conform to the majority. So, we tend to move with the crowd. In a formal setting, we will put on a suit or at least a nice shirt with a jacket even if we wear a nice pair of denims. We shave and keep our hair short, and we drive a Honda, Toyota, or a Merc or Beemer, safe choices in terms of resale value and availability of parts. Thus, in general, we try not to stand out like a sore thumb because we will draw attention to ourselves if we are different.
I guess the difference between those who want to stand out and those who prefer to blend in is perhaps the former displays positive and uplifting traits while the latter is the opposite. If we are admired, we want to stand out like having a podium finish after a race. But if we are afraid to be looked down upon or jeered or dismissed as a loser, like if we didn’t finish the marathon, we may want to hide ourselves in the midst of obscurity.
In Christ, however, we are taught not to conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of our minds so we may test and approve (prove) the good and perfect will of God (the famous Romans 12:8 as written by Paul). As Christians, we should seek to stand out from the crowd so we may display God’s glory as we present our bodies as a living sacrifice. Most importantly, we do not follow the crowd in terms of what they do. For example, if our peers smoke weed or gamble or vandalise, we do not join in. Or if others hook up and have casual sex, we abstain. Why? Because we live by different standards since we are of Christ.
Having said that, I think we need to be wise in what we do and how we act too. We do not need to draw unnecessary attention to ourselves and purposely stand out in a crowd just because we are believers. We will be kind to others, forgiving and compassionate, and we give to the poor, but there is no need to carry a placard to declare or boast about our good deeds. Do what the Romans do when in Rome but without compromising our standards or stand in God. Our best examples to follow are Daniel and his three friends, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. We will never bow down or worship another God and will always put God first. But we need to be wise and hear the prompting of the Holy Spirit on when to stand out. Wisdom, discretion, and timing are key elements in proclaiming Christ. In the meantime, blend in.
Ronnie's Thoughts 