God is Different

Different is interesting or strange, delightful or frightful, unexpected or pursued. Different is a choice, and choosing to follow God’s ways differs from the angry, judgmental, and lonesome world.

Romans 10:14 asks, “But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them?” How can we help people see the difference between Christ and culture?

By less explaining God and more showing. Less religion and more relationship. Less preaching and more being present. The love of God can fill us so much we want to share it, not just through our words, but through our actions.

Fred Rogers

Consider Fred Rogers. After Fred received his divinity degree, with graduate studies in child development, his goal was to be “someone who could use every talent that had ever been given me in the service of children and their families.” For 31 years, Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood was filled with kindness, caring, and respect.

During his commencement address to Middlebury College in May, 2001, Fred said, “I believe that appreciation is a holy thing, that when we look for what’s best in the person we happen to be with at the moment, we’re doing what God does; so in appreciating our neighbor, we’re participating in something truly sacred.”

Chuck Colson

In 1974, Chuck Colson went to prison for his role in the Watergate scandal. After his release, he founded the Prison Fellowship organization to promote prison reform. Chuck said, “One common thread which ran through the lives of most inmates: a history of continuous rejection. Rejection at home, in school, by society…”

Although not without controversy, Colson continued to pursue what he considered being his God-given work. He said, “Where is the hope? I meet millions of people who feel demoralized by the decay around us. The hope that each of us has is not in who governs us, or what laws we pass, or what great things we do as a nation. Our hope is in the power of God working through the hearts of people. And that’s where our hope is in this country. And that’s where our hope is in life.”

Mr. Happy Man

Meet Johnny Barnes, aka Mr. Happy Man. Every workday, for almost 30 years, Johnny would be at the Crow Lane roundabout in Hamilton, Bermuda from around 4 to 10 a.m. He would wave and shout out to passing traffic, “I love you, God loves you!” Over the years, if someone felt like he missed them, they would continue to travel the roundabout to get their greeting. On the rare occasions he wasn’t there, local radio stations would receive multiple phone calls from concerned listeners wondering if he was okay.

Barnes said, “I enjoy making people happy, … I like to let them know that life is sweet, that it’s good to be alive”.

Featured in two documentaries and several guidebooks for Bermuda,
Mr. Happy Man passed away in 2016 at 92. But his legacy will remain as a group of local businessmen placed a life-sized bronze statue of Johnny on the roundabout.

Mr. Happy Man’s message was simple: “People need to know that love is important.” You can watch him on YouTube here.

Random Acts of Kindness Foundation

John Wesley said, “Do all the good you can, by all the means you can.”
There are differing opinions on the beginnings of the random acts of kindness trend, but the foundation of the same name was born in the 1990s. The privately funded non-profit’s mission is to “Make kindness the norm.”

It is amazing how a foundation based on encouraging simple individual acts can have such a worldwide impact. Learn more about the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation by using this link. You can read about their efforts, the science behind kindness, and the resources and volunteer opportunities they have available.

Choose Different

Kindness is so important, and it shouldn’t be underestimated. Small efforts go a long way in improving the quality of life. You can change someone’s day, their beliefs, or even save a life, with a smile or kind word. People just want to be seen and feel like they matter.

Yes, God is different, and He is calling you to be different too. Different from your neighbor, different from your past, different to make a difference in the lives of others!

“What is important is faith expressing itself in love.” Galatians 5:6

“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God.”
1John 4:7

“Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness,
and patience.” Colossians 3:12

“Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:32

“Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.” Hebrews 10:24