Different

“Now the Lord said to Abram, ‘Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.’” Genesis 12:1-3 

No one likes being different, and yet, that is exactly what God told Abram to be. God told Abram to leave his country, kindred, and father’s house to go to where God wanted him. God desired Abram to have faith, and because Abram had faith, that made him different from those in his country, those he was close to, and even those who were his family. Since Abram was the first person of the blessing to bless all nations, Abram would have been very different from everyone. When people live for God, they should act differently. Sometimes, we try so hard not to be different that we forget that God uses that difference to show people Himself.  

Eventually, the blessing of all the earth would be because Jesus died on the cross and rose again three days later. Every person who puts their faith in Him will look different from their country, those they are friends with, and those who are even in their family. The amazing thing is that the faith that makes us different is the difference God uses to show people who do not know Him how He can change a person. Being different is not so bad. 

How was Abram different from other people? 

How did Abram’s difference become a blessing for all of mankind? 

How do you feel about being different? 

Why is it good to be different for Jesus? 

How can your family’s difference become a blessing for another family?  

Family Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for calling us out of darkness into knowing that You love us, died for us, and gave us eternal life. We praise You for the work of Your Son. Thank You Jesus for calling us to know You, live for You, and tell others about You. Thank You Lord for making us different from the world. Lord, please use our faith in You to be a blessing to another person. We love You, Jesus. In Your name we pray, Amen.