Are You Peculiar, or Are You Passing?
But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light; (I Peter 2:9)
Recently my wife and I took our annual sabbatical and this year we went to Greece – it was simply wonderful. We were traveling with a tour group, and on the second day my wife informed me that one of the ladies in our group asked her if I were a preacher. A couple of days later, while on an excursion in a catamaran on the Aegean Sea, the young lady approached me and asked what faith I was. When I told her, Pentecostal, she responded (with a smile), “…I figured.” She went on to inform me that she not only was familiar with our Church denomination, but had invited some Pentecostal believers to minister at her church. It was a pleasant conversation and it got my mind to racing.
Some of you who may know me know that I am pretty conservative. I’m not “hip,” “cool,” or “fly.” On this trip, I did not pack my clergy collar, cross or robe. I didn't bring a three piece suit or wear Stacy Adams shoes. In fact, I wore blue jeans, athletic slacks and sneakers. I wore Polo shirts and sweat socks. I did not ask her, but in the back of my mind, I did wonder what about me identified me as a holiness preacher some 5,100 miles from my local church? The Spirit of God gave me a revelation.
There was a term used in former generation called “passing.” People of color, in an attempt to escape their true identity and oppression, would try to “pass” as another race or ethnic group. There were many tactics employed: skin bleaching, conking ones hair (if you got to ask, don’t bother), or altering forms of expressive worship were some of the most notable methods. People were encouraged to marry persons who were lighter skinned in hope of having fairer skinned children. I wonder are we falling into a similar trap today.
When you’re in a public place and you're about to eat, do you bless your food rather quickly? Or do you look up before you pray to see if someone's looking? If so, you may be trying to pass.
If you have recently relocated and you attend the largest church you can find so you can sit in the back and not connect to anyone, you may be trying to pass.
On Sunday morning, after a night of clubbing, do you go to church to, “get your praise on,” all the while knowing you're not right before God? If so, you may be guilty of trying to pass.
Do you arrive late to church, or run to the bathroom during altar call or during prayer to avoid confronting God? If so, you may be trying to pass.
My friend, saints were never meant to blend in. God foreordained us to standout. Scripture reminds us we are to be “the light of the world,” “a candle, set upon a hill,” and “the salt of the earth.” It should be obvious to us that Jesus makes us different. It's not the clothes we wear and it's not our physical features, but it's the Spirit of a God who transforms us from the inside out!
Let me encourage you today, allow the Holy Spirit of God to remake you into a peculiar person. Stop trying to blend in with the world. You don't have to make yourself different. Accept Jesus and the Holy Ghost will make the difference in you!
I bless you in the name of the Lord.
Elder Eddie B Pruitte, Jr.
Pastor & Founder, Holiness Tabernacle COGIC