THE CALL TO BE

DIFFERENT
As we look at our society, we learn a lot about our
modern culture. There are various expectations placed
on us, and even pressure to fit into the mold of society.

Sadly, many attitudes, perspectives and behaviors DO

NOT match that which God would desire us to have.

In our study today, let’s see what Scriptures says about
the call to be different.
Joshua son of JOSHUA AND CALEB
Nun; Caleb son
of Jephunneh

Joshua and
Caleb trusted
God and were
committed to
Him, whereas
the people were
afraid.
When ten of the twelve spies showed little faith, in the doom and
gloom report they gave about the land, they were slandering what
they believed God had promised them.

They did not believe that God could help them, and the people as
a whole were persuaded that it was not possible to take the land.

As a result, the entire nation was made to wander in the desert for
40 years, until almost the entire generation of men had died.
Joshua and Caleb were the two spies who brought
back a good report and believed that God would
help them succeed. They were the only men from
their generation permitted to go into the Promised
Land after the time of wandering.
WHAT DID THE ISRAELITES THINK OF JOSHUA
AND CALEB?

But the whole assembly talked about

stoning them. Then the glory of
the Lord appeared at the tent of meeting to all
the Israelites. Numbers 14:10 
WHAT DOES V. 24 SAY WAS SO DIFFERENT ABOUT CALEB
THAT SET HIM APART FROM THE OTHER PEOPLE?

 24 But because my servant Caleb has a different spirit and follows

me wholeheartedly, I will bring him into the land he went to, and
his descendants will inherit it.
WHAT DO THESE VERSES SAY IS THE GOAL OF
BEING DIFFERENT?

Rom. 12:1-2 – Don’t conform to the world, but be transformed.

Matt. 5:10-16 – Let your light shine so others may glorify God.

Rom. 8:29 – Our goal = be conformed into the image of Christ.

ROMANS 12:1-2
 12 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of
God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy
and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper
worship. 2 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.
 MATTHEW 5:10-16
 10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute
you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.12 Rejoice and be
glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the
prophets who were before you.
Salt and Light
 13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty
again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled
underfoot.14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be
hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its
stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine
before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorifyyour Father in heaven.
WHAT SHOULD I DO?
As followers of Jesus Christ, we are NOT called to look or
act “weird.” But we are called to rise above the norm and live
a life that glorifies Christ.
Others may not like it, or even under- stand it, but when we
are determined to live our lives for God, we will be different!

In what ways should this calling play out in your life? In

what ways should people see Christ in you?