How Clearly Is Your Contrast Tuned?

Contrast (n) 1) The state of being noticeably different from something else when put or considered together. 2) a thing or person noticeably different from another. (Compact Oxford English Dictionary)

How many of us have fine-tuned our contrast so that others would see clearly, with bright, unmistakable colors, the difference of Christ in us? Has your contrast been so tuned that others, when they look at, and speak and deal with you, know that you are noticeably different from those without Christ?

Have we so tuned, or had tuned, our contrast to conform to the true character of Christ? Consider the Book of Jude, and its example of faithful, Christ-like living in contrast to those still in darkness. Jude admonishes us of the fact that in order to stand in contrast, we must:

1. Remember the Lord's Words; True, Accurate Biblical Teaching.
Jude 17-19, But you must remember, beloved, the predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. They said to you, “In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.” It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit.

2. Remain in the Lord's Love.
Jude 20-21, But you, beloved, build yourselves up in your most holy faith; pray in the Holy Spirit; keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life.

3. Rescue For God's Glory.
Jude 22-23, And have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh.

4. Rest in the Lord's Power.
Jude 24-25, Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.

May you, if your are a blood-bought, redeemed child of the Savior, live a life in contrast; standing out from the background of the world and society in which you live, as a light and beacon of His amazing grace and mercy!

Amen.