Living Differently: The Radical Call to a Christ-Centered Life

In our culture, we're constantly told to "dare to be different"—to stand out, be noticed, and make ourselves extraordinary. We see it everywhere: the fish swimming against the stream, the bird hanging upside down, the balloon rising above the rest. These images all communicate the same message: be different so you'll be recognized.

But here's the question that demands our attention: Is this truly the Christian way?

The answer is both yes and no. We are indeed called to be different, but not for the reasons our culture suggests. The distinction is crucial, and it changes everything about how we approach our daily lives.

The apostle Paul, writing to the church in Colossae, provides us with a revolutionary perspective. After spending two chapters establishing the absolute supremacy and authority of Jesus Christ—declaring that "in him all things hold together"—Paul pivots to the practical implications of this truth. If Christ truly is supreme, if He truly deserves our complete devotion, then our lives should reflect that reality in tangible ways.

In Colossians 3:15-17, we find three simple yet profound instructions that form the backbone of a genuinely different life:

"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts. Since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."

Notice the central theme: do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus. This is the memorable statement we should never forget and always pass on to the next generation. Live for Jesus. Not for recognition. Not for applause. But for Him.

The first marker of a distinctly Christian life is peace—not just any peace, but the peace of Christ. This isn't the absence of turbulence on the surface; it's the deep, unshakeable calm that exists beneath the waves, regardless of what's happening above.

The story of Don Richardson and the Sawi tribe in New Guinea powerfully illustrates where this peace originates. The Sawi people valued treachery as a core cultural trait, making the gospel message seemingly impossible to communicate. But when Richardson witnessed a peace ceremony where a tribal chief gave his own infant son to a warring tribe—creating lasting peace as long as that child lived—he found his bridge to the gospel.

God the Father gave His only Son to humanity. And as long as that Son lives (which is forever), there can be peace between God and people.

This is where lasting peace begins: at the cross. When we grasp the immense sacrifice made on our behalf—Christ's blood shed, His body broken—we receive not just forgiveness but an eternal security that nothing can shake. This becomes the foundation for every other peace we experience.

The difference between worldly peace and Christ's peace is profound. A person who rests in Christ's peace knows that the end of history is not in doubt. Whatever happens in this world, whatever diagnosis we receive, whatever relationship crumbles, whatever loss we face—God remains in control. His authority, goodness, and grace will sustain us to the end.
This is why Jesus could tell His anxious disciples, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid" (John 14:27).

When people see you maintaining composure and hope in impossibly difficult circumstances, they'll ask how you do it. And you'll have the opportunity to point them to Jesus.

Three times in just three verses, Paul emphasizes gratitude: "be thankful," "singing to God with gratitude in your hearts," and "giving thanks to God the Father through him."

Here's a challenging exercise: Tomorrow, keep track of all the critical things you say versus all the expressions of thankfulness you offer. At the end of the day, ask yourself honestly: Does my heart lean toward criticism or gratitude?

In communities that value excellence—whether in academics, athletics, or the arts—there's a subtle danger. The pursuit of excellence can morph into a critical spirit that constantly analyzes what's wrong rather than celebrating what's right. Excellence is beautiful, but not when it crowds out gratitude.

What if we committed to expressing thankfulness at a two-to-one ratio over our critiques? What if our default setting was gratitude rather than criticism? This would honor God and reflect the Spirit of Christ in a way that truly stands out in our cynical, complaint-filled culture.

The third instruction is simple yet life-transforming: "Let the message of Christ dwell in you richly."

Consider the testimony of someone who, as a teenager, accepted the challenge to read the Bible every single day. Not as a pastor-in-training, but simply as a young person willing to try. Decades later, that daily practice has fundamentally shaped their understanding of peace, discernment, relationships, hope, purpose, and so much more.

The Bible changes us. It teaches us how to respond to hardship, how to speak with clarity, how to find quiet in chaos, how to understand the world and our place in it. Six years old is not too young to start. Eighty-six is not too old to continue.

Do life in the Word, and it will shape you in ways you cannot imagine.

For Christian parents, this call to live differently has profound implications. Our goal isn't primarily for our children to get a great education, become star athletes, find perfect spouses, or land impressive careers. Our goal is for them to love a great God.

The other things matter, but they're secondary. And this priority changes everything about how we parent. We celebrate victories and point our children to Jesus. We comfort them in losses and remind them that whether we win or lose, we do everything for Christ.

We're not babysitting kids; we're raising kingdom difference-makers. We're preparing them to impact the world for Christ, which means teaching them from day one to be peace-filled, thankful, and rooted in the Word.

Here's the truth: We can't make a difference if we are not different.

If the culture around us looks at Christians and sees no meaningful distinction—no peace that defies circumstances, no gratitude that overcomes criticism, no wisdom that comes from something greater than human insight—then what are we offering?

When people walk into our churches, our homes, our workplaces, they should encounter something genuinely different. Not different in a way that seeks attention for ourselves, but different in a way that points to the Light of the world.

We're called to forgive fiercely, manage money wisely, express gratitude regularly, accept people graciously, pray fervently, and love sacrificially—all because of what Christ has done for us on the cross.

The question isn't whether we dare to be different. The question is whether we're willing to do life differently—for His glory, for His kingdom, and for a world desperately in need of the hope only He can provide.

This blog only touches the key themes of the message from Colossians 3. To hear the full teaching, the stories, and the Scripture unpacked in context, we invite you to watch the complete message by Pastor Fred, Do Life Different.

Listen in, open your Bible to Colossians 3, and consider how Christ is calling you to do life different for His glory.