Odd Man (or Woman) Out

17 This is what I command you: that you love one another.
18 If the world hates you, know that it hated Me before it hated you.
19 If you belonged to the world, the world would treat you with affection and would love you as its own. But because you are not of the world [no longer one with it], but I have chosen (selected) you out of the world, the world hates (detests) you.

John 15:17-19 (Amplified Bible)

This is just a quick word to encourage you and me, to each remember, that as we are in Christ, we will more often than not, have occasion to feel like the "odd man out". By the looks of political and social news lately, that will be happening with greater frequency maybe than we have ever known before. Don't let it make you feel like you are the one who needs to "get over it", "lighten up" or "loosen up". I looked up this scripture for God's wisdom as to why this phenomena occurs. Stand your ground, graciously, yet firmly. When in doubt, go to the Word.

Yet, I also want to remind you that there are examples in scripture which though they don't fit into a small verse, they in fact show this principle is in play within circles of believers as well. It's my very least favorite part of the Body of Christ. Yet, even as I type this phrase I know better. I know with everything in me, that the delicate push-pull tension between family members and within the Body of Christ's members is vital. Vital to refine us, teach us, strengthen and correct us. There were times even with the 12 and with the 3 (which were within the 12) disciples of Jesus that men (and their mothers on their behalf, as I recall) jockeyed for positon, displayed jealousy of each other, and dropped away because they could not comprehend spiritual things (not within the 12, but the larger group {well, except I guess you could say Judas here, right?}). Yes, conduct unbecoming, hmmm? Yet, it happens.

Why do I mention this? Because sometimes I have been prone to get way too up in arms over a fellow believers' behavior as it pertains to me or my family, than I have any business being. It's a waste of energy, time and emotion. If Jesus's own closest friends and followers (and family) could succomb to this very human tendency, why do we think we would be any different or suffer any less, the tug of war that comes into every group of people, lost or saved, sanctified or cold. So, I guess I thought maybe I do not suffer this malady alone. If that's the case maybe this will encourage you to enjoy your minority status and shake off the dust that sometimes tries to cling to us from old wounds! And if I am truly the odd woman out here, well then, telling on myself and mulling this over out loud is good medicine I imagine.

After all, we are made to stand out, not blend in!