Not of this World is a popular Christian brand. They make clothing, stickers, etc. The label is actually kind of neat, abbreviated with the letters 'NTW', with the cross on the 't' forming well, a cross. I have never really ruminated too thoroughly on what that phrase means until this week. Twice in the past month have I opened myself up to someone. I am a pretty transparent person and on each of these occasions I let the other person know my view on people, life, God, purpose, etc. The context was different in each situation-one relational and one professional, but the outcome was the same. In both of these situations the other person left abruptly, decided that she did not want anything to do with me or what I was promoting. Without any signs of foul play or distaste, a remarkably abrupt exit occurred to the point that me and others familiar with the story found ourselves asking, 'What?' One of these two people have faith and the other does not. One was attempting to get a job, the other was not, but still the same outcome and the only commonality (at least from what I can tell) was that I revealed who I am to each of these two. It was then, once this backdrop had come down that I was reminded of that phrase, 'Not of this World.'
I suppose, and am realizing more and more that that actually describes me pretty well. People are generally unprepared for who I am and that leaves them with confusion. The reality is that who I am is much different from what this world is, most notably with reference to my values, views on people, wealth, fortune, materials, poverty, riches, relationships, God, purpose, language, and education. I view these things much differently than the world does and I am no longer one to hide that fact (admittedly, I used to be). I have known this but it is only in the past week, across this bizarre backdrop that I realized how much this will affect my life. In relationships, I may have to find someone else not of this world for them to feel compatible with me. I resonate most with those people whom have similar views. Do not get me wrong, this is not a 'woe is me' post-I think that my views are actually better and I do not want to have views compatible with this world. I think the things that God advocates for are far greater, more worthwhile, and ultimately more fulfilling. However, even in small ways I am unique and unlike the world: I sit down in the shower, I keep tea bags in my breast pockets, I have a fascination with midgets. It is just striking, is what I am trying to get across, how different I am from the world around me, and how that will lead certain people to stray and even flee away from me. However, the people that I really want to surround myself with and the people that will build me up are people who will draw near to me because of this. I am not saying that I am better than others, just that my values and views are quite distinct and do not originate from this world. And I could not be happier about that.
Luke 16:15 "And he said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God."
