ALL THE SAME

Is it just my imagination or would you agree with me that there is a lot of cloning these days? It seems as if the world has lost its desire for originality.

Cars look alike. It used to be you knew exactly what make a vehicle was with just a glance but no more. So much of the music today sounds pretty     indistinguishable. Maybe it is just my ears, but it is as if so many musicians are trying to adapt to an identical template. Styles of dress has everyone trying to squeeze into the same mold.

There seems to be a general malaise. It is like a contagious virus. Let’s not dare do something different that might separate us from the herd mentality. Let’s not step away from the crowd and make our own independent statement. We certainly do not want to distinguish ourselves by taking a different path from the collective. In my opinion the lack of creativity, initiative, and diversity in so many areas is stifling and prohibits advancement.   

But for Christians there are disparate positions. On the one hand we need to detach ourselves. That is what God calls us to do. The unequivocal directive of ll Corinthians 6:17 clarifies. “So then come out from among unbelievers and separate yourselves from them, says the Lord…”

On the other hand, Christ like demeanor demands an imitative stance—an exacting emulation that we adhere to precisely. “Let this same attitude and purpose and humble mind be in you which was in Christ Jesus.” So says Paul in Philippians 2:5. There is no allowance for deviation. 

Again we have Peter’s exhortation in l Peter 3:21. “…For Christ also suffered for you leaving you His personal example, so that you should follow on in His footsteps.” This necessitates fastidious replication of retracing the Lord’s holy imprints.  

We are truly a unique people.