Why do you Christians Act so Different?

When I travel by myself, or when Deborah is alone at our house, Filipinos are often surprised by our ability to be alone for hours or even a few days at a time. We explain to them that it’s not unusual for Americans to travel without a companion or be alone in their home. In fact, most Americans enjoy it, and even call the experience “me time.”

Although this seems perfectly normal for Americans, it can appear eccentric or even abnormal by Filipino standards. Why the big difference? Because although we live in the Philippines, we are not Filipinos. Our earthly citizenship and cultural training are American. So there are things about our attitude and behavior that don’t quite fit in our adopted land.

Those who desire to follow Christ with consistency are citizens of heaven, and are being trained in the culture of heaven. They live in this world, but many of their values, beliefs, and behaviors are not like those who are not citizens of heaven. It should not seem strange when people say, “Why do you Christians act so different?”

Philippians 3:20-21

For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself.