Distinction is hard to come by today. From streaming programs to social media to trends we wear, nothing seems to stand out anymore as unique and different. This is unfortunate because distinction is a trait that God has placed inside all of us as His creation (Psalm 139:14 NLT).
As God’s children, we should possess distinct qualities that differentiates us from others. For example, Daniel and his friends were taken captive to serve on the royal court and forced to eat food offered to idols. Daniel could have simply acquiesced to the new rules and his surroundings; however, because of his distinct faith in God, Daniel refused and challenged his overseer to allow him and his friends to eat vegetables and then test them to see if they were not healthier than the other men.
When the time came, not only was Daniel healthier, but was found to be wiser than all the men the king had interviewed. Daniel displayed a distinct quality of wisdom and courage that God had placed in him to deal with his new environment (Daniel 1:19-20).
As Christians, we must be willing to go against the grain and stand out as followers of Jesus Christ. Even Jesus at an early age stood out from other children and amazed his teachers as He listened and answered questions in the temple (Luke 2:46-47). Despite His age, Jesus did not shy away from who He knew He was, the Son of God!
Taking a stand and choosing to be distinct is not popular as it often comes with ridicule and judgment. However, just as the color of the red cardinal makes it distinct against the trees, we too must walk in our distinction as ambassadors of Jesus Christ representing God’s Kingdom (2 Corinthians 5:20).