Called to Live Different

When I started using the hashtag #calledtolivedifferent, I didn’t expect all the revelations that God would give me about this phrase. It is not a hashtag or phrase for just me to use, while it is one that will give you insight to what God has called me to do, I would love for Christians around the world to use it. 1 Peter 1:13-16 states:

Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy.’

According to this passage we are all called to live different. We’re supposed to be set apart from this world, we’re supposed to be in it, but not of it. “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world – the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions – is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever” (1John 2:15-17). We called to love Him and only Him. We can love our kids and our families and friends, but they should never get in the way of our love for God. He defines/defined love. How can we truly love without God’s example of love? He can love us so much better than any person could ever love us.

“Behold the Father's heart,
The mystery He lavishes on us
As deep cries out to deep
Oh, how desperately He wants use

The things of earth stand next to Him
Like a candle to the sun
Unfailing Father
What compares to His great love

Behold His holy Son
The Lion and the Lamb given to us
The Word became a man
That my soul should know its Savior

Forsaken for the sake of all mankind
Salvation is in His blood
Jesus Messiah
The righteous died for love

It wasn't over
For He is the risen one”

~ Behold (Then Sings My Soul) by Hillsong

He is the example we are to live like. He defines what a set apart life is. He defines what love is. He defines what is means to live different. Jesus, God in flesh, came to earth, where He could’ve easily slipped into sin, and yet, He willingly chose to live different and pursue God wholeheartedly. He was tempted, He suffered, He died, and yet, He never said “no” to what His Father told Him to do. He willingly chose to live completely for His Father. We are called to live like this. We are called to give up our sin nature and pursue Him completely. As Christians, we are all called to live different. I would love for my hashtag to go global, to be used primarily by Christians because we are all called to live different. It’s not just me because I have a call to international missions, it’s every single Christian out there. So, please, feel free to use my hashtag. Use it.

Just imagine: Someone is scrolling through Facebook or Instagram and they see this hashtag, click on it, and all they see is the Gospel proclaimed through the pictures and posts of the people using it. God is able to use any circumstance to draw people to His Kingdom, even something as silly as a hashtag. Use it. Share it. Let’s spread the Word through living out being #calledtolivedifferent.