Key Scripture:

Like a muddied spring or a polluted well are the righteous who give way to the wicked. Proverbs 25:26 NIV

13 Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. 14 As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. 15 But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16 for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” 17 Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear. 1 Peter 1:13-17 NIV

God did not call you to fit in, He called you to stand out.

Do not blend in with this world. We are called to stand out. To be set apart. To be different in the way that we live. Why would any of us want to be normal anyway? Have you seen normal? Normal is broke. Normal is in bondage. Normal is fear. Normal is anxiety. Normal is divorce. Normal is depression. I DON’T WANT TO BE NORMAL. 

THE PROBLEM

• 2 out of every 3 Christians admit to experiencing a season of spiritual doubt.
• More than a quarter of Christians still find themselves doubting.

"As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance." 1 Peter 1:14 NIV

God's happiness is not your highest calling, God's holiness for you is a higher priority than your happiness.

HOLINESS

If you're not any different from the rest of the world, I promise you, you are not following Christ.

"So you must live as God's obedient children. Don't slip back into your old ways to satisfy your own desires." 1 Peter

CONCLUSION

4 Questions to ask yourself:

1. What are the three areas I struggle most trying to fit in?
2. When is a time I put my happiness above God's call for holiness?
3. What are the biggest ways that I'm different from the world?
4. What is the area that God wants me to be different?

"For you know it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from this empty way of life handed down from your ancestors. But it was with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect." 1 Peter 1:18-21

Living holy is not the path to Christ, knowing Christ is the path to holiness.