Fitting In vs Standing Out.

Which is harder, standing out or fitting in?

Some would say being popular is hard. Always worrying about the new fashion trends, new hairstyles, or the correct seasonal makeup. It can be so much to keep up with and if you mess up everyone will be talking about it. Since when did being just like everyone else and looking exactly like everyone else become the new "it" thing?

Fitting in isn't just being popular. We all may find our place within different groups of people. For some fitting in can mean being good at a sport by doing whatever it takes to be fast enough or strong enough or for others, it could be a certain social event you are suppose to be seen at.

Seems to me "fitting in" is so much more than just being popular because to feel accepted within that friend group you are wasting your time worrying about what look or activity is in.

What about being an outcast, not so hard is it? Doing your own thing not caring what other people think. What if being an outcast caused people to wonder about you. Feeling like you don't fit in with the girls around you and never finding your "place." Doesn't sound so easy anymore. From my experience fitting in is actually easier than standing out. So why not just fit in if its easier, duh.

Let's look at it this way. You are auditioning for your school play, sports team, or whatever is important to you. Tryouts are over and you make the team WHOOHOO, you feel awesome because you got the spot! Then, somebody says "nobody else auditioned for that spot," or "that team never wins." Now you feel like you didn't really accomplish anything. The same scenario can be applied to fitting in vs standing out. If something is harder you feel more joy in your accomplishment because it cost you more to stand out than to fit in.

Jesus calls us to stand out. Romans 12:2 says, "do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, so that by testing you may discern what is the good, pleasing and perfect will of God." Jesus has a different perception of what is acceptable and perfect. Focusing our eyes on Him and studying His word will allow us to be favorable in His eyes. His word also tells us in Deuteronomy 31:6, "Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified or afraid of them. For it is the Lord your God who goes with you; He will not leave you or forsake you.” How amazing is that to know? Jesus is with us every step of our journey, even when we abandon Him. Standing out won't always be easy. People wanting to "try new things", gossip about the girl that was mean to you last week, or go out to the bars for a "fun" time. Turning down your friends won't always be the cool or easy thing to do, but the joy we will receive from following Jesus last longer than one night. Serving Jesus will allow us to have an eternity of joyful, happy days. In a world full of cloned somebodies, be different, be strong and courageous. Just being yourself does not require a specific brand or look. YOU are the brand, YOU set the new trend and let's make that trend Jesus. I challenge you, every day, to be the best version of an outcast you can be.

-TK