We all like to fit in. No one wants to risk rejection or ridicule by others. But Christians are called to a different lifestyle than just “going with the flow.”
In the Amplified Bible (Classic version) 1 Peter 2:9 reads like this: “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a dedicated nation, [God’s] own purchased, special people, that you may set forth the wonderful deeds and display the virtues and perfections of Him Who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” In the King James version, it calls us “a peculiar people,” I think in the sense of being special, unique, and distinctive. The wonder is that we get to walk daily with God reflecting His character.
That’s a different way of acting and thinking than the culture we live in. We’ll probably be misunderstood at times. But like Daniel, the prophet, let us stand with courage and faithfulness to be God’s special people. “And having done all, … stand firm (Ephesians 6:13).