Christians are supposed to be different from other people. Not different to draw attention to themselves and not different just to be different. Christians are supposed to be different because they think differently. Christians don’t go to the same places as non-Christians, they don’t dress the same as non-Christians, and they don’t act the same as non-Christians; all because they don’t think the same way that non-Christians do. In Romans 12:2 the apostle Paul said, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” When we become a Christian, we begin to renew our mind by changing the way we think about things. We no longer do things simply because they are socially acceptable, but rather we do the things that God approves. This can sometimes lead to conflict with non-Christians, as Peter said in 1 Peter 2:11-12. “Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.” Peter continues the thought in verses 15 & 16. “For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men— as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God.” It can be difficult to go against the crowd. We are generally more comfortable being part of the group; we don’t like to stand out. But as Christians we will stand out if we are doing what we should. “Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God. For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles—when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries. In regard to these, they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you.” And if we do suffer as a Christian, “...let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.” (1 Peter 4:16).