When You Don't Fit In
Belonging that does not require blending.
For anyone on the outside of the group.
The big idea
Being on the edge of a room is not the same as being outside of God's family.
What does “When You Don't Fit In” walk through?
Do Not Be Conformed
Romans 12:2 · KJV
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
In plain English
Don't be shaped by this world. Be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so you can discern what God's good and perfect will is.
Not Fitting Can Be Faithful
Paul assumes there will be pressure to match your surroundings, and calls resisting it transformation. Sometimes the discomfort of not fitting is evidence you are being formed by something else.
A Body With Parts
1 Corinthians 12:27 · KJV
Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.
In plain English
Together you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.
“A body made only of one kind of part is not unified. It is disabled.”
Nowhere He Is Not
Psalms 139:7 · KJV
Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?
In plain English
Where could I go from your Spirit? Where could I run from your presence?
Belonging Precedes Fitting
You already belong to God. That is settled before you walk into any room, which frees you to be in the room honestly instead of performing your way into it.
Pray
Father, when I do not fit anywhere, remind me whose I am. Amen.
Write it down
Where have you been shrinking yourself to fit?
You belong
Not because you matched. Because he chose.
Which passages does this journey use?
3 passages, drawn from Romans 12:2, 1 Corinthians 12:27, Psalms 139:7. Every verse appears here in the King James text with a plain-English line beside it, so you can read it without a commentary open. Allow about 6 minutes for the whole thing, or 7 short sittings.
- Romans 12:2
- 1 Corinthians 12:27
- Psalms 139:7
Read any of these in full on the complete KJV, or look the wording up independently at Blue Letter Bible.
More in Who You Are
All Who You Are →Before You Achieved Anything
Love that arrived first.
The Mirror And The Word
Two things telling you who you are.
Your Name Is Not Your Follower Count
Being known by God, not measured by numbers.
Growing Up Isn't Leaving God
Faith that grows with you.
What You'd Say To Younger You
Grace, looking backwards.
Being Known And Still Loved
The fear underneath the hiding.