Most of our lives, we feel marginalized in some aspect. Sometimes we allow it to happen; other times, we are the victims of someone’s categorization of who they think we are or should be. Either way, we get there; we feel small and insignificant, like we don’t matter, and the world – it’s just cruel!

The most surprising and disappointing thing is that there is little solace for those who feel the singe of marginalization. This feeling seldom comes with a resourceful friend but finds companionship with others who feel the same way. We form the majority club of VNPs, Very Needy People. Sadly, most Christians steeped in religiosity are in this category. In the church, among the company of supposedly like-minded people, we feel the most ostracized. There are the “they” and “them” of spiritual maturity, the “called” and the “chosen, who dwell among the “lay people” and the “truly anointed.” In the church, especially within ethnic denominations, we exalt according to acquaintances and outward appearance. We worship titles and assume airs of distinctions as we strut awkwardly behind the “first lady” and the “Bishop,” decadently adorned in their “church hats” and voluminous robes.

Shame on us! Sinners, saved by Grace, not by works or fancy underpants, but by the blood sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who became nothing in the eyes of the world so that His true exaltation led to our redemption. Shame on us for being Pharisaic in our approach to people, positions, and the throne of God. Just like David’s wife, we are ashamed of true displays of worship. We sit like Peter before Jesus, snatching our feet back from humble administrations, and then overreact in the heat of the moment. We allow the world’s margins to creep into our spiritual body and section God’s beloved according to sight and expectations rather than as fellow laborers. We forget that we are all sinners saved by Grace. If we continue to pay homage to the flesh, it will cost everything, perhaps for some, even their souls.

Philippians 2:3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. When the body of Christ begins to look like the carcass of the world and adorns itself in the manners and fashions of the proud majority, we trample Grace underfoot. We, the chosen by God, are like Israel playing the harlot! 
Psalms 106:39 Therefore, they became unclean because of what they did; they acted like whores by their evil deeds.

We have got to do better. We are still commissioned. But we must change our minds to be effective at our “true” calling. First, we must realize that our calling is not to high places in the world but high places in Christ (Ephesians 2:6). Second, we must change our perspectives on being in the world and recognize that we have a new citizenship and foreigners are seldom afforded the privileges of citizens. (Philippians 3:20). Third, what did we expect when we declared allegiance to Christ, roses, petals, and kisses? NO! We must take Jesus’ warning seriously and prepare for war – against powers and principalities disguised in the flesh. (Matthew 7:15, John 15:18, Ephesians 6:12). Finally, we must remember that we are the marginalized and be okay with that. We entered through the narrow gate. Those on a different path, the lower road, can see us trudging along as they glance up from the valley. Yes, they sneer; we act, look, and think funny. So what? We must no longer allow the flesh to judge us spiritually. Mostly, we must refuse to allow the flesh to judge the body of Christ. We must refuse to smell, look, or act like those we have been “commissioned” to reach.