Financial Discipleship - the Bible on LifestyleEsimerkki

As Christians, sometimes it feels like we are a peculiar group living on an island of misfits, doesn’t it?

We live in a crazy world these days, for sure. But have no fear. Be encouraged.

If you see yourself as a Christian misfit wondering, “Am I the one who’s different?,” then great! Because you are.

Paul tells us in Romans 12:2 not to conform to this world but to be transformed by the renewing of our mind.

But how do we transform?

It starts with our heart and inviting the Holy Spirit to live through us, which leads to an overhaul of our attitudes and actions, and ultimately results in the transformation of how we live.

Can you spot the differences between a believer and a non-believer? When you look in the mirror, can you see the difference Christ makes in your life?

If different means faith, hope, love, Jesus, God, Holy Spirit, contentment, true riches and eternal gain… then different is good, Amen?!

In a world straying from the Lord, we need to stay convicted and run to the Lord.

I dare you to be different! Different in how you walk, talk, think and, maybe most importantly, how you live. For your good and God’s glory.

In 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12, Paul teaches, “Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before. Then people who are not believers will respect the way you live, and you will not need to depend on others.”

I believe Paul is encouraging us to live a simple life. To be humble, work hard, live modestly and within our means, take care of our families and to be a positive example for those around us.

When we live simply, of course we will look different by the world’s standards. We may even be called “misfits.” That’s O.K.

As Christians, we are playing a different game. OUR focus is on how living like Jesus empowers us to glorify God and advance His Kingdom through our families and others.

Living simply is a decision, just like the decision we make every day to serve God over money (Matthew 6:24). Living simply positions us to be generous. Living simply helps us align our money and lifestyle to the will of God.

Living simply is an investment in future experiences, allowing us to put our resources fully into those things we care most about—our faith, family, friends, church, business, community and so on.

Living simply is, simply put, living freely to serve Him.

Keep charging for Christ,

Brandon Sieben

Chairman, Compass Global

(excerpt taken from “Dare to Be Different,” Compass Blog, 2023)