One of the oldest tricks Satan pulls on us is the feel of needing to fit in with the crowd. We can become so fearful of people not liking us for what we stand for and what we believe that we put our faith into seclusion. Our desire for people to like us and be our friends becomes more important than allowing God to shine through us to light this dark world. Even in Jesus days on earth there were leaders in the synagogue that thought more of their position of prestige than they did their belief in who Jesus was. (John 12:42 Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not openly acknowledge their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue.) Our relationship with God is hindered from reaching its potential every time we put something earthly in front of it. We seek the approval of our every day acquaintances more than we seek the approval of God for our lives. Fitting in instead of standing out happens in subtle ways that we may not even think about at times. We tolerate things in our presence instead of walking away or speaking up against it. We follow people and do things without much consideration of how our testimony and beliefs are being ignored. How often have we disrespected yourself in order to fit in with the ones you were with? It is time God’s people quit worrying about fitting in with the crowd and stand up and tell the world that Jesus is the only way to heaven. Make an effort to stand out today instead of fit in with the crowd. Be a difference maker! Follow God, not man. Pastor Don [image: image.png]