Ever felt “different” because you were a Christian? If you answered “yes”, that’s not actually a bad thing. As a follower of Christ, you’ve been chosen by God and set apart from this world to live out the calling He’s placed on your life. Live in such a way that your life reflects the saving work that Jesus did for you on the cross — and the work that He continues to do in and through you every single day.

When we invite Jesus into our lives, the transformation that happens within us should be reflected to the world outside us as we become instruments of His workmanship. Everywhere we go, there should be a noticeable difference between the light that’s in us and a world that lives in darkness — and we’re not meant to keep that light to ourselves.

God used John the Baptist for the sole purpose of preparing people for the coming of Jesus. When we’re fulfilling our purpose in life — not seeking our 15 minutes of fame, but looking for ways to direct others’ attention to Him — we won’t receive the glory for our actions, but He will.

Being a Christ-follower includes submitting to His calling for us to fish for others. We’re His “bait” in the world, used for the purpose of attracting more people to Him, and we’re the best kind of bait when our lives reflect the change that Jesus has made in us and lure those around us to His transformative love.

Christianity is filled with people who proclaim Jesus with their mouths and deny Him with their actions. We’re living, breathing representations of Christ to a world in need of a Savior. If we don’t back up the things we say with the things we do, then our faith is dead and makes no difference in our lives — or the lives of others.

The Bible instructs us how we’re supposed to live, and how to model for others what it looks like to serve God. Our lives aren’t mean to be “model homes” that appear bright and shiny and perfect on the outside. They’re meant to represent the work that God’s done in us as a proclamation of what He can do in others.

When God chose us to become part of His family, He sanctified us and set us apart to stand out from this world. And when we realize we’ve been chosen, we’re inspired to “live differently” — to show others His work in us. Let’s live in such a way that we reflect not only the sacrifice Christ made for us on the cross, but all that He continues to do in our lives.