Unpopular

No matter how much we might refute it, much of what we do daily is just an effort to keep from being ostracized from society. We wear clothes, even when it's too hot; we even wear uncomfortable clothes at times to look good for others or to be "appropriate" during special occasions. We diet or exercise partially just to look pleasing to the eyes of others. We bite our tongue or act polite even when we're thinking rude and angry words. It's goes beyond all this. There've been studies that show people will give a wrong answer if they're the only ones in a group thinking of the correct one, just to conform.

One of these studies is known as the Solomon Asch experiment of 1958. Asch arranged for a group of people to meet, all but one told to give a mix of correct and incorrect answers to the questions presented. The questions were obvious and easy, to tell which bars were of equal length. He set it up so that the majority of the conspirators would answer before the test subject in order to find out if he would go along with the crowd. An overwhelming 37 out of 50 conformed and gave an obviously incorrect answer. Afterwards, when asked why, most answered that they knew their answer was incorrect but went along with the rest to avoid ridicule or being thought of as strange. (Check out http://www.simplypsychology.org/asch-conformity.html)

This is why it can be so difficult, even in a country with religious freedom, to stand up and speak God's word. I've felt uncomfortable praying aloud with others before; I've felt afraid to tell others the Biblical stance on controversial subjects; I've felt nervous to even bring up the subject of God in a mixed group. We fear more than just ridicule or strangeness; we fear being alone.

Here's where you might expect a pep talk on how, as Christians, we can expect God to keep us from such tribulations:

"If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first. If you were of the world, it would love you as its own. Instead, the world hates you, because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. Remember the word that I spoke to you: ‘No servant is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you as well; if they kept My word, they will keep yours as well. But they will treat you like this on account of My name, because they do not know the One who sent Me." John 15: 18-21

Whelp, no pep talk here. Or, you know what, yes there is. This encouragement is to tell you that there's something much better than being just one of many.

"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect." Romans 12:2

For those who can see, they will take heart in you and your courage. For those confused, your actions may be the door that they've been knocking on for answers.

"Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

Unlike the yoke of the world, whose expectations are excessive, harmful, and never satisfied, follow God who will show you true peace.

"'Thus you are to be holy to Me, for I the LORD am holy; and I have set you apart from the peoples to be Mine." Leviticus 20:26

And, here we are. In Leviticus, God made the distinction of the Levitical Priests and the rest of Israel. They were "set apart," and were called on to heal, teach, pray, and lead. The Levites were expected to be the epitome of cleanliness and holiness, made as role models not only for the whole of Israel but for every soul in the world. Then, Jesus came and fulfilled the law, allowing everyone, not just Israel to be a part of the tribe of God.

"You also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ." 1 Peter 2:5

Now, we are the new priests.

Yes, if you are a child of God, then you are a Levite, one of the new priests in the present world. You are expected to be spiritually clean and holy, a role model bent on healing, teaching, praying, and leading the world to the feet of the one true God.

So, as a priest, you have a responsibility to remain "set...apart from the people to be Mine." As a Christian, you are not of the world, and that can mean many things.

"Do not love the world nor the things in the world If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him." 1 John 2:15-17

The world here indicates the world without God, the group giving wrong answers. Will you still attempt to conform and reject God?

"But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves." James 1:22

You know, walk the walk, don't just talk the talk. If you show up at church and praise God's ways, then step out of the church door after the sermon and walk down the path of God's ways. That can mean you are ostracized cause the crowd is going down a different, wider road.

"Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth." Colossians 3:1-2

The things of the earth are corrupt and have been from an ancient age, but you are a new creation, a priest, a royal child of the one true King. Keep your mind on your purpose. Take off the yoke of the world's fears, criticisms, and hatred. Speak to the High Priest who is Jesus. There is always love in the eyes of God for you, keep looking His way.

Shun the shunners, and run to the One who will receive you no matter what. With Him, you are enough.