1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a

holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light."
It's not "cool" to be odd and peculiar these days. However, when we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour, we have accepted that God has bought us with the blood of His Son, and we are His private property, His own people. This makes us totally the opposite of those who live without God in their lives. While they live with hearts that desire the things of this world, we, as God's holy people, understand that we are not even of this world, nor are we at home in this world. As long as we live in this world, we are not a part of it and it stands out clearly to everyone who sees us. While the ungodly may mock us and cut us down with their words and deeds, we continue to shine as lights in a dark world. The Holy Spirit will convict those who are living in sin, and then they will have to choose to be a part of God's kingdom or remain in the darkness. Heavenly Father, forgive us for being backward in showing our faith that makes us different from those without You. Forgive us for trying to blend in with them out of fear. Give us boldness, by Your Holy Spirit so that we will shine as peculiar people so that those who are in the dark will see Your light and will be drawn to You by the Holy Spirit. We ask this in the name of Jesus, Amen.