Not Better... But, Different.

 I recently read a blog article by Jasmine Bina about building your brand and strategy. To summarize she say, "Better will always be a losing game for your brand." She outlines four ways to "own different":

1. Create a new category everyone else is blind to.
2. Move from utility to lifestyle.
3. Change the focus.
4. Change the reality.

While I'm not endorsing (or endorsing) the article, it made me think about how Jesus' invitation to "come, follow me" doesn't necessarily makes us better... but different.

By Jesus inviting people like Levi, you, and me to the table, He creates a new understanding that others are blind to. The Pharisees miss it. People today even miss it! I mean, what would it look like to be part of a church where you belong with Jesus long before you know it, accept it, or participate in it?

Living a lifestyle of following Jesus looks very different than checking the boxes of what Christianity may expect "good people" to do. For Jesus, it's not enough to only go to church and live the other 167 hours of the week as if his invitation doesn't always apply. Following Jesus is a lifestyle, not just a collection of activities we check off a list. Indeed, Jesus has come to bring us life (24/7), and to bring it abundantly! (John 10:10)

Jesus changes the focus of those who are at the table. I'm not going to say much about this right now... just pay attention to the sketch (skit), this Sunday.

And, through Jesus' invitation to us to participate and be joined together with Him in His life, death, and resurrection, our reality is forever changed. We are never apart from the Creator of the Universe. We are never far from divine power and presence. Our eternal reality is secure in the One who died and came back to life to never die again.

Notice that Jesus' invitation doesn't necessarily make us better people (though, we do become more like Jesus who is understood to be the best human being to walk the earth)... but, for sure, Jesus' invitation to us to follow Him makes us different people. Perhaps, people who have such a humble spirit that welcomes people we wouldn't expect to walk with us - with Jesus. . . who craves to be with Jesus every moment of every day (not just one hour a week). . . who focus on different things when they're with others at the table. . . and who life a different reality now and in our forever future.

Different. Not, necessarily better. What do you think?

Love you more than you know. -pt