Scripture 1 Peter 2: 9-10 (KJV)
9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.
REFERENCES: Proverbs 9:10, 2 Kings 3:24-28
Have you ever noticed how culture caters to individuality but rarely celebrates what is different? In a world where everything can be customized, there’s still constant pressure to look, speak, and act like everyone around us. When we live in relationship with Jesus, we’re called to be peculiar. But what does that mean? Peculiar is “strange, odd, unusual, distinctive in nature or character from others.” When we choose to be peculiar, our character no longer aligns with the character of culture. We do friendships, marriage, breakups, and singleness in a different way. Our standards for all aspects of life begin to align with Kingdom. With Jesus, every season is a wild adventure. It’s spiritual identity that separates us from the rest. With that said, living a peculiar life is not easy. When we step into the truth, society will lie about us, trying to bring us back into conformity. But remember, only dead fish go with the flow.
Be peculiar. Regular is already taken.
We grew up with Disney movies and fairytales as our reference for dating. However, we didn’t know that would give us a wrong idea of what being single looks like, let alone a healthy, Godly relationship. As we grow older, pornography becomes another reference for dating and marriage. It presents a false idea of intimacy and hurts the peculiar part of you. These references can create frustration when we don’t get what we expect, but God desires we let go of these references and focus on his plan for us.
The world may value life experience as the highest form of qualification, however, as Christians we know that wisdom from God holds eternal value. This is one thing that makes us peculiar—our ability to submit first to the sovereign wisdom of God. We can rest assured knowing that even if our worldly life experience is lacking, if we live in truth God will give us everything we need to succeed.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Proverbs 9:10
Historically, being marked-out as strange and odd is not something we generally would like to be known for. Uncommon people are usually unpopular in our society. Who wants to feel like “the” unpopular person? Typically, no one. Though this may be the world’s perspective, God calls us to be peculiar. Not so that we may be disliked and the “outcast” rather to stand out with a revelation of who God created us to be. We’re not meant to follow the culture of this world but set the culture of the world by knowing who we are in Jesus. We are peculiar, we know who we are, we are complete in Him.
Frustration is an indication of vision. Write down your frustrations in detail. Ask God what vision He’s speaking to you out of your frustrations. Allow Him to tell you what step to take next.
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Good News: Hope is here! Celebrate Easter in community. With gatherings all weekend, there’s something for everyone.
Friday, March 29 – Good Friday
Saturday, March 30 – Easter Egg Drop
Sunday, March 31 – Easter Sunday
Help host Easter Egg Drop, one of our largest outreaches of the year!
We live in the tension of present hard times and coming good times. In this gap, our faith is formed. The gathering of the saints produces perseverance for you to run your race of faith. VOUSCon is this moment.
June 20-22
Miami, FL
As we create an atmosphere that glorifies God, we create space for Him to move. As servant leaders, we carry the culture. Because we value Con, we invest in it.