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Strangers Among Us

Perhaps you can help my wife and I settle a dispute. We've been watching American Idol this season. (Don't judge us.) There is one singer in particular, Adam Lambert, who has a unique style which has my wife rolling her eyes while I tap my toes. He has this thing he does which is half screaming, half singing, but not really in that Ozzy Osbourne kind of way. Okay, well maybe it is, but I think it is a difference maker for him.

Here's the thing. Yesterday I emulated it and was surprised how much it sounds like him. Mind you, just the screaming part. I did it a couple of times and got my little 2-year old performing her best rendition as well. But she's always looking for a reason to scream.

It got me thinking about strange things we do for attention. We often behave in strange ways. Sometimes I look at my kid's strange behavior and wonder where they got that. Then my wife reminds me where they got it.

On the other hand, there are some things that seem strange to us that should not. In 1 Peter 4:4, Peter is talking about what 'pagans' choose to do and how they are surprised when Christians do not act the same. I wonder if we could be accused of the same thing by our non-Christian peers.

I think there are several things, like forgiveness, obedience, and even where we look for security, that should seem strange to others. And when we don't, we will find that God finds it strange, and it is to Him that we will have to answer. 1 Peter 4:5.

Isn't it strange when we look to our peers for answers before we look to God?
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Anonymous said…
Looking to our peers is a very human thing to do. The only problem with this, is that Christ tells us to look to Him, to look to God, for guidance and direction. I think this culture has provided such comfort and lack of persecution that we think we can do it without God, and just thank Him for all the "blessings". Sometimes the "blessings" take our eyes off Him, and what He truly wants for us. Self control is one of the fruits of His spirit. . .
GSL
May 15, 2009 at 6:23 PM
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