Divergent is a novel trilogy written by Veronica Roth and includes Divergent, Insurgent, and Allegiant. Without giving away any surprises the series is about a teenager who lives in a post apocalyptic society. Similarly to many other series in this young adult genre the authorities have tried to bring order to chaos by dividing society into groups. People enter these groupings when they become young adults. Typically, there is a rebellion against the status quo. In Veronica Roth’s series there are five groups or factions.

1. Abnegation: These people have a heart for service and often give up their rights for others.
2. Candor: These people are always and sometimes brutally honest.
3. Erudite: The erudite are the educated and thinkers and keep society advancing.
4. Dauntless: Dauntless are fearless and serve as law enforcement.
5. Amity: This friendly group serves as farmers and peace negotiators.

One of Veronica Roth’s main characters does not fit into any the five categories, they are different, they are divergent. In all candor (pun intended) they fit all five categories on some level.

I liked this series, especially the first one – DIVERGENT.  After reading this novel in 2011 or 2012, I began thinking about comparisons to our lives a Christians in modern society.  I recently revisited these thoughts now that the third movie is in theatres.

Dictionaries define “divergent” as “tending to be different or to develop in a different direction.”

As Christians we are to be different and to develop separate from the world. We are to be DIVERGENT.

Consider the words of scripture that define us:

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. (1 Pet 2:9)

If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. (John 15:18-19)

They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. (John 17:16)

Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, (2 Cor 6:17)

Therefore do not become partners with them; for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (Eph 5:7-8)

There are many other passages we could consider, but these suffice to remind us to be different; to be divergent.

But how do we live divergently?

1. Choose to follow God over what is popular.
2. Choose to do what is right above what is easy.
3. Dress differently. As men, women, boys, and girls choose to be modest in our dress.
4. Talk differently. As God’s chosen people, speak in a way that bring glory to His name and does not degrade Him or His people.
5. Think differently. Keep the greatest command and the second in the forefront of you mind; Love the Lord you God with all your heart soul and mind, and love your neighbor as you love yourself (Matt 22:36-40).

What are other ways we can be divergent?

-Scott