Being Normal

What is normal? Who defines it? Is it better to be considered different or abnormal?

The Oxford dictionary states normal is :

1. conforming to a standard; usual, typical, or expected

Normal is defined by culture, what society defines, what your circle (work, neighborhood, friends) decides is normal. Paul clearly tells us that as believers we will be seen as “abnormal”, he even refers to Christians as foreigners in their own towns once they have been born again as Christian.

“Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.”

‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭2:11-12‬ ‭NIV‬‬

I love God, I love my neighbor, I listen and sing to worship music, I pray continually, and I try everyday to do what is right. In today’s culture, that is defined as different or weird. The truth is that is what should be normal. Knowing the difference between good and evil and choosing good, this should be normal. I will

choose Jesus over current culture any day.

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭12:2‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Christians are supposed to be noticeably different. We were always going to be counter-culture. We are to be a light that leads others to Jesus (once they are ok with our abnormalness).

“Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever.”

‭‭Daniel‬ ‭12:3‬ ‭NIV‬‬