Different
Personally, I take that as a compliment. Growing up in a quiet suburb of Chicago, I was surrounded by people that all seemed the same to me. I didn’t feel like one of them, I didn’t feel like they could relate to me. I could never understand their narrow minded approach. I knew there was a much bigger world out there. Even as a child I knew I did not want to turn into that. I always kept up appearances, and tried to be content like them; but deep down I was still unsatisfied. Fast forward to today. As I write this I am sitting in a coffee shop in Monterrey, Mexico. This is one of the most diverse cities I have ever seen. This is my new home (at least for the next year). I moved here about three months ago and love it. I love the opportunities I have to meet all kinds of new people and talk with them about things that are important to them – and then talk about what is important to me. I might disagree with you, but I will always love and respect you as a person. I often prefer conversations with people who disagree with me, simply because they are more passionate about it. Being an American in Mexico has lead to many great discussions. I truly enjoy it when someone gets really fired up talking about soccer, (which is a major topic here, but to us Americans, means nothing) especially when they start dropping stats and records from the past 10 years. This leads me to my next point. When you get passionate about something, research it. Make sure you know what you are talking about, or you will look foolish when I begin to inquire about it. Don’t cheer for a sports team you know nothing about. Don’t vote for a candidate you know nothing about. Don’t call yourself a Christian if you know nothing about Christ. You are not a Bears fan if you can’t name more than 2 players on their team. You are not a Christian if you know nothing about Christ. I have realized sharing this truth is one of my purposes here on this Earth. It is something I will fight for the rest of my life. This passion has gotten me in trouble several times. Most people want to be left alone in their ignorant bliss. But if we dare to be different, and let God fill us with this passion; we can change the world. Just because you go to church, doesn’t mean you are different. One hour on Sunday won’t cut it. Jesus calls us to action all day every day: at home, at school, at work, in your commute, and out with friends. Truly being different and following Jesus is a lot of work, and it’s not easy. I also think Jesus often focused on people who society had labeled as “different” and brought them to do great things. Matthew wrote a story in the Bible (in a book appropriately titled “Matthew”) and in chapter 7 of this story Jesus refers to the path a Christian must walk as narrow, and not often traveled. By definition Christians must reject the things of this world in order to follow the path of Jesus. There is no middle ground. Later in that same chapter Jesus refers to a time of judgment in the future. In this story Jesus says many people will claim to have been religious and to have done things for Him while they were here on Earth, but He tells them He never even knew them and to go away. Our choices here on Earth directly result in what happens when we leave this Earth (i.e. when we die). Therefore, we must chose one path – either for self gratification here, or an eternal life in paradise with the one who gave His life so we could join Him there. Some people may think that Jesus was just a good person, or that he had some nice things to say; but if that was all he was, how did he cause such a riot that they sentenced him to die by nailing him to a tree? I’d say he was very different. I believe God has a great purpose and plan for each one of us. This plan requires us to change the way we look at things. It requires us to be different.

I am considering sending this to a magazine to try and get it published… so any feedback would be great!