March 15 – Belonging Or Fitting In
4:74 – Belonging or Fitting In?

#faithbites #faithjourney belonging

Setting

Last night, I posted on Facebook wondering if the feeling of being abnorm and the desire to fit in ever goes away. The discussion was great, filled with support and love. We all feel abnormal from time to time. The main point was are we looking to fit in or belong. These aren’t necessarily the same. Fitting in is where you are like others and fit the dynamics of the group. Belonging is where the group wants you for who you are and you don’t need to change for the group.

Today’s questions: Are you searching to fit in or belong to a group? What are you looking for when you search for belonging? How can this search help your #faithjourney?

Scripture
  • John 15:19 – If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you
  • 2 Corinthians 6:14 – Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?
  • Romans 12:2 – Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect
Reflection

I was talking to a fremkend yesterday and he said very few of us grow up to be famous or influential on a large stage. Our childhood dreams of success changed as we grew up. It’s not failure but change. This is the same thing as belonging and fitting in. What counts as close friendships and being in group change.

Our verses are clear that we, as believers in Christ, may not feel part of this world. Things in this world that others strive for don’t interest us. When we reject that part of the world, the world may reject us. Our humanity wants to belong to those who may reject us but our spiritual side knows what it right. This is a challenge for me. The key is to transform the World through our actions and not let the world transform us.

As we close, let’s focus on how we can get the sense of belonging from believers and seek companionship through Christ. Fitting in doesn’t help us grow or spread the Gospel.

Prayer

Father God, we pray the you help us find a sense of community and belonging. We often try to fit in with the world as it’s comfortable and we want the support. We ask that you help us build a community of support that recognizes you and puts you front and center.

Lord, we ask your forgiveness when we falter and seek fitting in over belonging to the right groups. In your name, we pray, Amen.

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