"Dare to Be Different"

By: Alyssa Avant

Matthew 7:13, “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.” (NIV)

When I was a teenager, I just wanted to fit in. I thought to myself most days, “Why can’t I be more like ________?” (You know her girls, so fill in the blank). To have the shoes she wore, her perfect skin, or just the right haircut would make everything perfect. I would strive to be more and more like her. I soon discovered that it was not really helping because no one was taking notice that I was dressed like her or that I wore my hair in the same style.

So, I soon gave up and went on to try to be myself. After all, what everyone says works right? “Just be yourself.” Then, I began to get heavily involved in my church youth group when I was thirteen. I began to truly enjoy going to Bible study, youth choir, and my youth minister’s house after church, and making trips to the Taco Bell in a nearby town with the older youth. Those were good times.

The best part is that in the Bible studies, I learned that I did not really want to be like “that girl” at school and that, in fact, I wanted to be different. The Bible tells us that we are “made in the image of God” (Genesis 1:27, NIV). This is a true privilege that only humans can claim. When God created the world, humans were the only part of creation that he created in His image. He also made each of us unique.

The only person God wants us to try to be more like is His Son, Jesus Christ. When I discovered this truth, I began to pursue it with all that I had. I began to “dare to be different” from my friends and peers. Surprisingly, this was much more fulfilling than trying to be like the girl at school. I began to stand out. People took much more notice that I was doing things differently than when I was conforming to the norm. It might not have always been easy, but I soon discovered that it was the way to go.

I challenge you to take the road less traveled. There may not be as many people on the path, it may seem a bit rockier or more difficult to maneuver at times, but I assure you that it is worth it. I know that you will benefit from taking the proper path. I sure did!

My Prayer for Today:

Dear Lord, Thank You for making me in Your image. Help me to realize that I am unique and that being different from others is okay. I pray that You would give me the strength to be different and to take the path that You have for me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Think About It:

Am I focusing on being like someone else?

How can I be different from the norm?

What steps can I take to begin following the path God has for me?

Live It:

Pray about the decisions that you make.

Find good Christian friends who will choose to take the path of being different with you.

Pray for each other.

Power Verses:

Romans 12:2, “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (NIV)

2 Corinthians 3:18, “And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” (NIV)

Ephesians 2:10, “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (NIV)

© 2008 by Alyssa Avant. All rights reserved.