We are in the main such pack animals. Most of us are uncomfortable when we find ourselves the “odd” member of a group. It starts in grade school and intensifies in junior high, but it is the rare few who escape the pressures of being considered “odd.” It’s not a bad thing to want to belong, to be included, or to find a comfortable place to fit into a group. We are social creatures and God has placed us into families, within communities, and as part of a country. Believers however have a sometimes counter-comfort challenge. “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, that you may proclaim the excellence of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; for you once were not a people but now you are the people of God; you had not received mercy but now you have received mercy. Beloved, I urge you as aliens (odd ones) to abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul. Keep your behavior excellent.” 2 Peter 2:9-11 As uncomfortable as it is for some of us, we must be prepared to move away from the crowd if necessary. We must be willing to be the “Odd One” at times in order to be a friend of our God. Isaiah 55:8-9 says, “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord.” The good news is that our God will help us take that step away if necessary in order to stand for Him. It’s sometimes very good to be “Odd.”
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