Do you ever feel like you don’t fit in? Like in every room you walk into you’re not sure if you should be in it? Or maybe you should be rising up to lead everyone? But at the same time you feel like it might be better for you to just slip into the corner unnoticed? When you survey the room, do you instantly you notice details that it seems like everyone else is missing?
Do you notice the pains people are hiding behind their smiles?
Do you notice the insecurities people unknowingly put on display with their prideful declarations?
Do you notice the subtle discontent in their body language when they talk about their life?
Do you notice when people start to allude to the fact that God might be working in their life?
Do you notice when people clearly want to have a more meaningful life?
If any of this is true about you, you’re not weird.
Over the last several years I’ve really wrestled with one central point of internal tension. Am I weird? I notice things. I ask way below the surface questions. I get bored with normal conversation. I don’t keep up with the latest news. I barely keep up with sports (the thing I used to love the most).
It seems like these days I’m far more concerned about my life being pleasing to God than I am concerned about anything else. All I want to do is help people follow Jesus and steward the responsibilities God has given me well. I want to be a great husband, a great father, a great worker, and a great disciple maker.
I guess if any of that describes you like it does me, either we’re both weird or it’s what normal life in the Kingdom is supposed to look like. I’m really hoping for the latter.
The interesting thing about Jesus showing up and announcing the presence of God’s Kingdom in Mark chapter 1 is that it implies when the Kingdom is present it demands our full attention.
Our full allegiance.
Our total pursuit.
Our willingness to be an outcast.
The Kingdom is here now, so repent and believe.
I don’t want to imply that I’ve got it all figured out over here.
But at the same time I can’t ignore that something deep in my bones only wants the Kingdom of God.
And I think something deep inside of you wants that type of life as well.
Let this be an encouragment to you today: Do whatever it takes to live a life in alignment with the Kingdom.
When Jesus says repent and believe He’s telling people to turn away from their own mini self-centered kingdoms and turn instead to His Kingdom. The idea is that once we turn away from our kingdoms we would then walk in alignment with His Kingdom. We would march to His commands. We would respond to His voice. We would take on His character.
Who are we to miss out on such a gift because we don’t want to be weird?
Who knows what God has prepared for you other than God Himself? I don’t. You don’t. But the only way we’ll learn what God has for us on a personal level is if we walk in alignment with His Kingdom.
The only way you will be the person God made you to be for your spouse, neighbor, co-workers, and the church is if you walk in alignment with God’s Kingdom.
Don’t miss out because some insecure punk thinks you’re weird because you pray throughout the day.
Don’t miss out because someone will think it’s awkward that you’re apologizing to them for some small thing you felt convicted over.
Don’t miss out because someone whose life is falling apart thinks you’re weird because you read your Bible.
Don’t miss out because that person who gossips 24/7 feels awkward when you’d rather encourage someone else.
Pay attention to the small details.
Pay attention to the Holy Spirit.
Pay attention to what God is doing.
Everything you do in this life that builds on the Gospel of Jesus Christ will last with you into eternity and it will be considered a reward for your faithful labor. Don’t miss out for the sake of not feeling awkward.
Go for it. Feel weird. Risk embarrassment. Because God is faithful.
This is your moment.
Don’t give up.
—Brandon
This is incredibly encouraging, and true. It's sad that when you choose your authentic self; people look at you as if you are not fit for society. It's ironic, really. Well, Our Saviour certainly dealt with it, and told us we would too. God bless Brandon. I really enjoy your writings!
Yes. Yes. Yes!
I love this.
Be uniquely you that God created you to be!