"Here's to the crazy ones..."

In 1997, Apple Computers unveiled an advertising slogan that simply said, "Think Different." Brilliant! Those two words combined launched a whole new attitude and way of thinking when it comes to technology, innovation, design, and function... all trademarks of Apple products. I'm not trying to get into a Mac vs. PC debate, but there is something to be said about Apple's strategy to "think different." That slogan helped create an entire subculture of loyal followers and fans. A major piece to this ad campaign was the series of commercials called "The Crazy Ones" which featured images of famous historical figures, known for thinking different. During those commercials the narrator offered the following dedication...

"Here's to the crazy ones. The rebels. The troublemakers. The ones who see things differently. While some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius. Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do."

Recently we finished up a series on Sunday mornings called "Different." During this series we had some great discussions on what it means to be "different" from the world (the unchurched, or non-Christians). As followers of Christ we are called to be different... to act different... to think different... from those who are apart from Christ. In John's gospel we hear Jesus praying these words: "I'm not asking you to take them out of this world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. They do not belong to this world any more than I do. Make them holy by your truth; teach them Your word, which is truth" (John 17:15-18, NLT). We are in this world but not of it. Yet, we so often fall for the trap of conforming to the ways of this world, to its expectations, standards, criticisms, and judgments. We buy into the lie that says it's more important to fit in than stand out. We do not belong to the world, but we let the world own us. Paul writes in Colossians, "You have died with Christ, and he has set you free from the spiritual powers of this world. So why do you keep following the rules of the world..." (Colossians 2:20, NLT). We, as Christians, should be "the crazy ones"... the ones who see things differently. Because if Apple was right, "the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do." How are you changing the world for better? For Christ? How are you thinking differently from the world? If someone on the outside, looking in at your life, saw the way you live and interact, would they know that you've got something inside that makes you different? Would they know that you are filled with the Holy Spirit and are living a life a transformed life because of the relationship you have with Christ or would you look no different than everyone else?

This month, regardless of whether you are a Mac or a PC, I challenge you to "think different", to stand out, to truly be the salt and light that God called you to be. If you don't know where to start, pick up a Bible and read John's gospel. You'll quickly see how different Christ was from the rest of the world and how different his message was from what other were saying. It's not easy being different and there will be people who will put you down or won't understand... but that's okay. Jesus never said it would be easy, he just said it would be worth it.