It takes courage to cling to God's truth and avoid those who do not. It's not easy, but it's a part of being a disciple of Jesus.

In this world, we just don't fit in at times—maybe most of the time.

We don't look different. Like everyone else we buy houses and raise families. In order to do that, we go to work to pay the bills. Cars stand in our driveways, and we go on vacation to get away from life's pressures.

Yet what we encounter sometimes seems odd to our way of thinking. We try to live as God directs because we know how much he loves us. Through his Son, Jesus, God claimed us from this world of sin and death to be his and to live forever with him. So what seems so important to others, who do not have their attention on Jesus, often is a bit out of place in our priorities.

In Peter's first letter, he suggested that because of God's love we are different—living stones, chosen by God and belonging to him. He even encouraged us to live like aliens and strangers here (2:4-12).

Those of this world notice that we are different. Peter also said that they think it strange that we don't participate in the same loose, ungodly behavior they do (4:4). We object to what is so prevalent around us. We avoid participating—even saying no firmly. And sometimes we painfully choose what God wants instead of going along with friends. Then we find better things to do that the world doesn't think are better at all. To them it's just no fun.

At times we get lonely being different. Perhaps we begin thinking that we are the only ones left who treasure God's grace and desire to follow his Word without compromise. Elijah felt that way (1 Kings 19:10). We long for the fellowship of others who share our Christian and Lutheran approach. That's how God intended it to be. One living stone looking for another and together looking for more stones who are alive because of the grace of God in Jesus.

Together we pray, praise, and give thanks to the Lord in worship. Together we receive the Lord's body and blood as an expression of our unity. Paul tells us that those who receive the Sacrament are one loaf as we remember the Lord's sacrifice for us (1 Corinthians 10:17). We pool our financial resources to carry out the Lord's commission to make disciples of all nations. We encourage one another—warning against error and false doctrine, comforting one another in trials, and sharing joys and sorrows along our journeys of faith. It's all part of our fellowship in Christ.

But what do we do when we recognize that not everyone who calls Jesus Lord belongs to him? Jesus warned his disciples, "Watch out that no one deceives you" (Matthew 24:4). He went on to say that the deceptions will be many and even characterized false teachers as wolves in sheep's clothing. So in order to persevere in the truth, we test the spirits.