Living Differently With our Differences

Texts: Galatians 3:26-29; Ephesians 2:14-22.; 4:11-13; Romans 12:4-8; 1 Corinthians 12: 4-27; 1 Peter 4:10,11.

Meaning of the word /the idea of DIFFERENCE:

a point or way in which people or things are dissimilar.

the way in which two or more things which you are comparing are not the same

every individual has something that differences it from another …

· Human Life in itself has to face many challenges and circumstances.

· Man is a social being and cannot live in isolation or as an island?

· He has to live with all kinds of people:

- Good people and bad people; cultured community and not so cultured ones;

- Different people and Difficult people: educated and non -educated, healthy and not so healthy; spiritually distanced and spirit-filled ones; emotionally drained and strong-willed people.; culturally diverse and culturally focused; Christians and non-Christians; religious and nonreligious;

1. Differences Define us -not divide us.(Galatians 3:28)

2. Differences Develop Unity through Diversity.   (Ephesians 4:11-13; 1 Corinthians 12: 4-27; Romans 12:4-8; 1 Peter 4:10,11)

3. Difference distinguishes the man and glorifies God. (Numbers14:24; Psalm 15: 1-5; 4:3)

4. Difference Demands A Distinct Dwelling Place.(Ephesians 2:19-22; Revelation 7:9,10)

Living with Differences does not mean divided living, but DEFINED LIFE. Knowing and keeping our identity.

Living with Differences does not mean discrimination, but DEVELOPING unity through Diversity, by exercising each one’s God-given gifts.

Living with Differences does not mean driven away from the majority’s opinion but living with DISTINCTION to glorify God and make a difference in the fellow believer.

Living with Differences does not mean withdrawing from the front line but DEMONSTRATING a distinct dwelling place of the Spirit here on earth as a Church and to look forward to reaching the destiny with multitudes who lived with a difference in Christ.

Ø Do not sacrifice or compromise the difference Christ made in your life.

Ø Instead of going with the flow in the world, always be true to the Scriptures, your call and the conscience

Ø Dare to Be Different like Joseph, Daniel, Jesus, Paul, Timothy, and millions of believers and martyrs who did not count their lives dear to them.

Ø Learn to adjust, accommodate, and live in peace with all people without compromising the heart of the Scriptures and godliness.