Yesterday, I shared how fear can entangle us. In our desire to manage our reputations and control how others see us, we become slaves to appearances and lose our freedom. Yet, the people we admire most—those who give bold speeches, share unpopular ideas, or take risks—are often ridiculed and misunderstood. Still, they dare to stand out. Someone who exemplifies this is Jesus Christ, who not only faced accusations and ridicule but lived with unwavering conviction. To become more like Christ, we must learn to be comfortable with discomfort.

Why pursue this path? Because of the promise of reward. Jesus often spoke about rewards as a form of motivation. When I memorized the Sermon on the Mount, I noticed how frequently He asked, “What reward will you receive if you do this or that?” Uncommon people receive uncommon rewards. Extraordinary people receive extraordinary rewards. If we want those rewards, we must first seek true freedom today.

My friend, consider King David, a central figure in the Bible who continues to capture imaginations. David was deeply flawed; he made many mistakes that seemed neither good nor right. Yet, God showed him extraordinary grace and favor, more than most Old Testament leaders. Why? I believe it was because David cared more about his relationship with God than about simply managing his outward behavior. He longed to please, honor, and be close to God above all else, even when he failed. As you continue to pursue a relationship with Jesus, choose to stand out, even if it feels uncomfortable. Embrace being different, and trust that God will honor your courage with extraordinary rewards.