We all want to belong somewhere. Some of us are more restless than others, but there’s a need to be associated with a certain group of people or have a place to relax. We want to be able to be ourselves without any pretense, so we seek a place to belong. We seek people who will accept us.

Sometimes our desire to belong gets distorted. We go along with behavior we’d otherwise say is unacceptable. We hang out with people who have questionable habits. Perhaps you think you left all temptations behind in high school. But have you? Do we sit with a group who is gossiping but say nothing? Do we go to a movie that promotes infidelity and violence and rationalize that we’re adults, so we can see whatever we want? Do we buy more when shopping than we should as our friends convince us we deserve to treat ourselves?

We want to belong, but God set us apart. And I will rescue you from both your own people and the Gentiles. Yes, I am sending you to the Gentiles to open their eyes, so they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God. Then they will receive forgiveness for their sins and be given a place among God’s people, who are set apart by faith in me. (Acts 26:17-18, NLT) By setting us apart, God gives us the best place to belong. By setting us apart, God gives us purpose. By setting us apart, God gives us family.

We want to belong, because God created us for community. Our desire to belong isn’t wrong, but what we do with the desire can be wrong. Belong to God, who sets you apart from this world. Yes, you will still have struggles. You’ll befriend people who don’t know Jesus and build a bridge for them. You’ll be mistreated. You’ll stumble. But there will be a firm foundation under your feet along your journey. And you’ll belong to God. He satisfies the longing and belonging of your heart.