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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Exotic (08/08/13)
MISUNDERSTOOD

At this time of year when children are going back to school, I often reminisce about my school years. Maybe some of you can identify with a new school year and hoping you would fit in. We all want that sense of belonging.

Because I grew up in a military family, a new school year many times meant a new school as well.
Being a shy and introverted child I often feared that I would not fit in. I desired to belong and be accepted. I wanted to be a part of the group.

In my teenage years I often found myself at odds with my peers over issues that I felt compromised my beliefs. I tried to always make good choices and often felt alienated from my classmates. This was of great concern to me then and carried into my adult years for a time. I still find myself at a point of divisiveness with co-workers, acquaintances and sometimes even fellow believers.

I have discovered that in my spiritual journey I often do not have a sense of belonging in this world. I find that my beliefs do not align with the world's. Then I discovered a great truth; that is how it is supposed to be! As believers we are not supposed to blend into this world. We are set apart to be a peculiar and holy people. In Leviticus we find these words, “Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy; for I am the Lord your God.” (Lev. 20:7) KJV

I am reminded of the old hymn that talks about the fact that this world is not our home. We are just passing through. Our home is not on planet earth! Our real home awaits us in Heaven. In John 14:2-3 Jesus says, “In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto myself;......” (KJV)
That is our final destination. On earth we will be considered, strange, peculiar and weird. The world does not understand what it means to live life as Jesus would want us to.

In Jesus' day he also was not accepted. His peers thought he was trying to cause trouble when He overthrew the money changers in the temple. (John 2:14-15)
They did not understand what He meant when He spoke of dying and on the third day He would rise again. (Luke 24:7).

We are a special people because we belong to Almighty God. He has called us and set us apart so that we can be holy as He is holy. In Exodus 19:5 we find these words, “Now therefore if you will indeed obey My voice, and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people for
all the earth is Mine. (NKJV). If we were to go on an trip searching for treasure, who knows what strange and exotic things we might find. God has chosen us to be His treasures. God has chosen us to be His treasure. How exciting is that?

So if some days you feel weird, strange, peculiar, or odd in this world, that is a good thing! Remember this world is not your home. Heaven awaits you.
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This article has been read 503 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Larry Whittington
08/16/13
Many readers will relate to this whether they will admit it or not.

Staying true to the Bible is our life time task.

Your acceptance of being different and feeling different about things in this life is a good example for us all.

"If heaven is not my home--, what good is earth?
Scarlett Farr
08/18/13
I loved every word of this. Well written and a great reminder to us all, especially when going through a tough time because we feel different or are being treated differently. Thank you for the inspirational words.
C D Swanson 
08/20/13
Very enjoyable and a pleasure to read. Thank you. God blessz~
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
08/21/13
This is a lovely devotion. I like how you started by sharing your childhood experiences. I think many people can understand that misunderstood feeling.

The main red ink I would offer would be to go back and see how many times you used a version of the word school. You can fix it by combining sentences and using other words. For example: At this time of year, I see the yellow buses on the road, and I often reminisce about my educational experience. My stomach would do flip-flops when I wondered if I would fit in each year. I think most people yearn for a sense of belonging. Growing up in a military family, the new year often meant a different school, strange teachers, and no friends.
(I hope this shows you what I mean. It's not necessarily better than yours, but I hope it demonstrates my point. I also tried to get rid of the universal you and keep it in the first person because that makes it easier to for the reader to connect with your MC.)

You really did a grand job though. I often don't read titles, but yours grabbed my eyes and I immediately wanted to keep reading. Even though I grew up in a small town with the same kids in my class each year, I could still totally relate. The scriptures that you selected are a perfect fit for your message. That last line is powerful and one I need reminding of. I think I might copy it down and paste it on my fridge. Nicely done.
Brenda Rice
08/22/13
Your entry brought back memories of a move my family made when I was 12. You touched a lot of tender spots.

Thanks for sharing your wisdom and for this interesting entry.