This note was a response to a young friend on FaithFraeks.com who asked in her blog, “Is Different Wrong?”

I have heard it said that “if you do not stand for something, you will fall for anything.”

Going with the crowd may ease the pain in this present time but will, in the end, lead you in a way you may not want to go. Being different, on the other hand, has disadvantages also; being different for the sake of being different achieves fruitless persecution.

But you did mentioned a very interesting verse, Romans 12:2. Do not be conformed to this world, but instead, be transformed by the renewing of you mind, [Why?] that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God [the Creator of all men and women].

So where do we find out what His perfect will is for us?

Jesus (Yeshua) said he did not come to destroy the Law [the Torah, God's instructions on how all men are to live] or the Prophets and until the heavens and the earth pass away [we are still here last time I checked] not even the smallest parts of God’s instructions would be unimportant. See Matt. 5:17-19

Following God’s ways, instead of the worlds ways, is called righteousness or righteous living. It is the difference between the narrow way which leads to life and the broad way that leads to destruction.

Yes – when we live according to YHVH’s ways persecution will come BUT it is not fruitless. Yeshua said:

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Mat 5:10-12)

If you would like to read my story, click here. To me going back and living like the world would be totally unacceptable. Been there, done that!

Oh yes – I have been called many names and have been the object of many a false witnesses. But I know who I serve. For many, most in fact, the difference begins when we repent and begin by just keeping the Father’s weekly Sabbath; and from there your great adventure will begin. Here is a great teaching on the Sabbath.