The Outliers

The term “outlier” is one that is most commonly used in the study and use of statistics. In this context, an outlier means: a statistical observation that is markedly different in value from the others of the sample. For example, if I were to accumulate a number of test scores for high school students and found that on average, most students scored between a seventy and eighty percent; that would mean the student who performed at a higher level, acquiring a score of ninety-seven percent, has posted a score that is an outlier. 

Outliers can show us many different things about a piece of data. Clearly the student who scored higher is performing at an above average level. Clearly that student has a stronger grasp on the material than most of their classmates. This also would denote that someone who performed much lower than the seventy to eighty percent average has a looser understanding of the material. Perhaps the student performing lower may need summer school or extra tutoring to give them the best chance at success. Whatever the case may be, whether an above average performer, or a lower than average performer; they would both be considered outliers. 

Outliers are not just found in sets of data or test scores, however, outliers can also be found in groups of people. In this context, an outlier would be defined as: a person that is atypical within a particular group, class, or category. For example, if on a Sunday morning service, all of the men decided to wear black suits, but I instead wore a blue suit, I would be considered an outlier. 

In Romans 12:2, the Apostle Paul expressed to the church this thought: “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God”. To put it more simply, In Paul’s estimation, we are all called to be outliers! 

This thought is further supported in 1 Peter 1:16, “Because it is written, Be ye holy, for I am holy”. Again, another Apostle declared a separation. To acknowledge that we are called to be Holy, we acknowledge that the standard or “norm” for the world is unholiness. We are all born into an unholy world, those who have been washed by the Blood of Calvary are outliers to that unholy world. 

The disciples in the time of Christ’s Earthly Ministry were all outliers compared to what was known as normal or standard in the world. The moral standard that they were called to live up to and the set of beliefs that they had were certainly seen as atypical. It is for this reason that they would be persecuted and hated. The thing about outliers is that they are rarely accepted. Due to their abnormality, they are often cast-aside, and not acknowledged in the same manner as everyone else. 

The disciples were constantly berated for their different way of thinking, their different views, and their doctrine. It is no wonder why now in the twenty-first century, Christ’s church is still experiencing the same thing. Christ expected this, declaring that the disciples would be “Hated of all men for my name’s sake” (Matthew 10:22). These same disciples would be the ones to whom the great commission of spreading the Gospel to the entire world would be assigned. This same great commission is the ministry that the modern day church (and disciples) have inherited. 

The persecution comes with the territory, yet, as modern day believers we oftentimes find ourselves shying away from being viewed as different. We shy away from ridicule. And we worry about the persecution that may come with our assignment. But, we should not be ashamed to be outliers! We should be excited for the privilege that we have been given through the sacrifice of Christ. We should embrace what separates us from the rest of the world and engage in the unique culture that our faith has blessed us with. Holiness is not something to be ashamed of, it is something to be excited about! 

We should not feel pressured to embrace or share in the culture and norms of this world that we find ourselves in. We may be in this world, but we do not have to act like we are of this world! When we embrace the culture that we have found ourselves surrounded by, we have watered down the very things that make us Christ’s church. 

We, as the church, were not called to be saints, but we were called to be disciples, in the same way that the twelve were called. We are absolutely called to be the outliers.

God Bless!