The word “radical” carries a connotation of a young man with piercing all over his body, black clothes….things that sound scary or crazy. There are lots of people labled "radical" but not many that we admire. If God asks us to be radical Christians, does that fill our hearts with fear?
We have thoughts like, “If I say yes to whatever God asks, He might ask something really impossible.” I don’t know very many radical Christians – my friend Ann comes to mind. She and I met in college – we were both math majors but she actually graduated when I was a freshman. We hung out together all the time, sharing life and praying for each other often. She's the kind of girl who would stop in the middle of a conversation to pray for me.
Ann would share the gospel with whoever she met – at a coffee shop, with a car repair man, anywhere! She ended up taking a teaching job in Hawaii and she shared the gospel regularly with her students, inviting them to Christian concerts, praying with them, etc. She got in trouble a few times with parents and her supervisors, but she felt the call of God to keep sharing about Jesus. She eventually began to work with YWAM and took countless mission teams overseas for several years. She is still single and still passionate for Jesus, but some physical problems have limited her ability to travel – she goes to the hospital and prays for her nurses and doctors (instead of the other way around). She isn’t perfect, but she keeps listening to God’s call on her life.
That kind of Christianity is contagious. One of my favorite songs is “Shine” by the Newsboys – make them wonder what we’ve got – make them wish they weren’t on the outside looking in. Our enthusiasm for Christ builds when we live in expectation for His action and this enthusiasm is what makes our Christianity contagious.
Average Jane Christian goes to church on Sunday, reads her Bible during the week as part of her routine, even attends Bible study or Sunday school, but she is going through the motions. She has no connection with God in these pursuits – they are good things to do in the Christian life, but that is not where the Christian life is found.
Are you longing for something more than this? Something more than Christian religiosity or duties? Are you longing for more depth in your relationship with Christ? Look at John 15 – Jesus’ words tying together our obedience, abiding and joy in our relationship with Him. That’s what I'm talking about – obedience and abiding. Abiding is listening for His voice and responding to His calls.
Are you ready to be radical and listen for His voice and live expecting His presence at any moment?
I know I am.
We have thoughts like, “If I say yes to whatever God asks, He might ask something really impossible.” I don’t know very many radical Christians – my friend Ann comes to mind. She and I met in college – we were both math majors but she actually graduated when I was a freshman. We hung out together all the time, sharing life and praying for each other often. She's the kind of girl who would stop in the middle of a conversation to pray for me.
Ann would share the gospel with whoever she met – at a coffee shop, with a car repair man, anywhere! She ended up taking a teaching job in Hawaii and she shared the gospel regularly with her students, inviting them to Christian concerts, praying with them, etc. She got in trouble a few times with parents and her supervisors, but she felt the call of God to keep sharing about Jesus. She eventually began to work with YWAM and took countless mission teams overseas for several years. She is still single and still passionate for Jesus, but some physical problems have limited her ability to travel – she goes to the hospital and prays for her nurses and doctors (instead of the other way around). She isn’t perfect, but she keeps listening to God’s call on her life.
That kind of Christianity is contagious. One of my favorite songs is “Shine” by the Newsboys – make them wonder what we’ve got – make them wish they weren’t on the outside looking in. Our enthusiasm for Christ builds when we live in expectation for His action and this enthusiasm is what makes our Christianity contagious.
Average Jane Christian goes to church on Sunday, reads her Bible during the week as part of her routine, even attends Bible study or Sunday school, but she is going through the motions. She has no connection with God in these pursuits – they are good things to do in the Christian life, but that is not where the Christian life is found.
Are you longing for something more than this? Something more than Christian religiosity or duties? Are you longing for more depth in your relationship with Christ? Look at John 15 – Jesus’ words tying together our obedience, abiding and joy in our relationship with Him. That’s what I'm talking about – obedience and abiding. Abiding is listening for His voice and responding to His calls.
Are you ready to be radical and listen for His voice and live expecting His presence at any moment?
I know I am.
Comments
Wow, I want to be R-A-D-I-C-A-L for Him, more then anything else I'm crazy for.
I have a little surprise for you, come on over and pick it up.
(I think you may have received this already, but I just had to give it to you...from me.)
I love the way you write.
What a wonderful post, and an encouragement to not let those moments pass us by! Thank you!
Thanks for a good post, Heather.
Thanks for spurring me on!
Jenny