by Victoria Heinecke

Stand out. Don’t blend in.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

“Do not be conformed to this world...”
Romans 12:2a English Standard Version

My husband and I pass the tree in the center of this photo when we take our walks. At first glance, it doesn’t appear to be much different from the ones surrounding it. This tree, however, grows at a 45-degree angle, and in recent years it has begun to block the path. One cannot walk past it without noticing it.

I stopped one day to see if it was uprooted. Was it damaged? Would it die?

It appears to be healthy; its roots are firmly planted in the ground. The tree may have been vertically oriented when it was first planted, but its foundation was altered shortly afterwards, possibly the result of a severe storm. In spite of the alteration, its foundation is firm, and it’s thriving.

The tree is a little quirky, in a fun sort of way. If it were a person, we might say it’s a bit eclectic.

“…but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
Romans 12:2b English Standard Version

God wants us to avoid blending in with the crowd, but not in a way that impedes others from seeing him at work through us. Keep your foundation firm in his Word, and let his perfect ways direct your steps.

“Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.”
Romans 12:9-10 English Standard Version

Simple acts, such as giving a smile to a stranger, randomly letting someone go ahead of you in line, or holding a door can increase our intentional awareness of those around us. It also gives others the opportunity to see God’s love at work in the world, through his quirky, eclectic children.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado