Text: Genesis 37:1-4; Numbers 25:6-13
Memory Verse:“This is the history of Jacob. Joseph, beingseventeen years old, was feeding the flock with his brothers. And the lad waswith the sons of Bilhah and the sons of Zilpah, his father’s wives; and Joseph brought a bad report of them to his father’ (Genesis 37:2).
Being different from others in the crowd is not an easy choice. Standing up for God in the prevailing condition, where acts of unrighteousness have become the norm may be difficult. It takes courage to insist on the right thing. Joseph reported the evil deeds of his brothers to their father and for this, they hated him. The world’s system operates on the basis of self-interest. To this end, people engage in immoral behaviour and acts of illegality. As a believer, you need to determine not to join them because the fact that everybody is doing something does not make it right.
Ensure that wherever you are, you shine as light and act as salt. This is the mandate the Lord Jesus Christ has given us. By doing so, you glorify the name of the Lord. He needs people to stand out for Him no matter the circumstance.
Daniel had determined in his heart to be different (Daniel 1) and in Numbers 25:6-13, Phinehas stood out for God, defended the integrity of His name and was rewarded with a covenant of continuity in priesthood.
Since we are called to be separate, we should be different in every area of life. Though we are in the world, we are not of this world. When you dare to be different, you will not be a friend to the world. The world’s standard is not our
standard. Jesus Christ is our standard. We should dare to be different.
Prayer Points:
1. Lord, forgive me for failing to stand out for You.
2. Heavenly Father, give me the strength to always stand for righteousness.
