Out of place

"John's clothes were made of camel's hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey." Matthew 3:4

What a sight my friend and I must have been as we exited the wooded trail and came out on the sidewalk lining the busy Kansas City roadway. While participating in a trail run that required us to navigate the way by map, we had gotten lost and now had to run by the highway teeming with cars to get back where we needed to be. By the stares we were getting, we knew we were 'out of place'. Decked out in running apparel complete with racing bibs and hydration devices, it was quite apparent that we did not belong here... we undoubtedly did not fit in.

When it comes to being different from the crowd, the Bible describes John the Baptist as being 'out of place' too. With his clothes made of camel's hair, a leather belt around his waist and a diet of locusts and wild honey, you can be sure that he got many stares. This distinction, though, is exactly what drew people to him. You see, not only did his clothes set him apart, his faith did too. He came boldly preaching a message of repentance and preparation for the coming Messiah concerned only with the job God had called him to. And for this John most certainly did not fit in.

You know, as Christians, you and I should be so intent on fulfilling our purpose and boldly sharing the message that we do not fit in either. In fact, by our actions and attitudes, we should be so different from the world that there is no question that you and I are 'out of place'. And after all, isn't that the best place to be?

Heavenly Father, thank you for the examples of those faithful Christians that have gone before us that we can emulate. Help us to be as bold and set apart as John the Baptist that we might bring others to you as he did. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

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Jesus Freak - DC Talk 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQBIS2zWEz8