Getting Noticed in a Crowd

Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; - Philippians 2:14-15 (KJV)

Every religious group wants their adherents to be different from society.

Christians are no different in that respect; God want us to be "lights" in the darkness for Christ.

Many groups try to accomplish this by instructing their followers to wear unique clothing, or groom in a special way, all with the goal of being counter-culture. Some non-religious groups also want their adherents to be identifiable by either a pin, or a sticker, one thing or another; something to give them a sense of identity and/or pride.

Paul tells followers of Jesus to stand out in a different way; not by what they wear, but by what they do.

By not complaining ("without murmurings") not being argumentative ("without disputings"), choosing to do the moral and honest thing ("blameless") even when no one is looking, and not hurting people ("harmless") even when they have hurt you, you'll stand out for Christ just fine! That, in itself, shall identify you; not as a member of a particular group but as a follower of Christ and not to indicate you are special, but that Jesus is special.

-Fritz