You cannot lead the change you want to see in your world if you are a part of the problem. The first step to changing your world is to identify the problems in your world. You must then turn your attention inwards to consider how you are contributing to the problem. You must set aside your holier-than-them attitude. You need to check and be sure you are not fueling the problem. Fortify yourself against the problem. These will make you stand out in your world. You are not ready to watch over your world and steer it towards a better future, if you are not standing out. You must stand out in your thoughts, your words and your actions.
The biggest mistake you can make is to hesitate to stand out. You represent a mode of thought, a culture that is more disciplined than anything this world has to offer. A corrupt world is driven by lust and greed (2 Peter 1:4). You want to transform it into a world driven by divine principles and selfless love. Christians make a big mistake when they try to imitate the culture around them with slight variations. There is a big problem when the holiness, selfless love, justice, integrity, and work ethic that should define a Christian is missing. This is a mistake, and it will not help you with your mission to change your world.
In the Bible, you notice a pattern of believers standing out. They never blend in. In great famine, Isaac continued to succeed. Joseph leveraged incredible wisdom and strength of character to continue to grow the economy of his nation in the midst of a global famine. The three Hebrew boys chose the burning furnace over compromising their faith, and they won. Romans 12:2 (ESV) says, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Do not be afraid to think differently, talk differently and act differently. Your superior ways, moulded by your faith will always make you stand out. Your world will copy you.
