Uncomfortable. I rarely choose to feel uncomfortable. Rather, I actively choose to hit the snooze button to be comfortable for just 5 more minutes. Each day is a routine in this way. I have a daily routine based on when I eat, who my friends are, when I drink my coffee, and when I get to come home. In each of these areas I am in my element. Many days I only talk to a small group of people, perfectly okay with my small bubble of a comfort zone. It’s too easy to grow accustomed to a routine. Each passing day becomes just another day, a crossed-off day on the calendar of the countdown to graduation, retirement, a vacation, or the next big thing on the schedule. The comfort in the routine of the the day is safe, but Christians are called to live radical lives each day.
Whenever I hear the word radical I immediately picture a surfer bro saying “that wave was rad dude”. Tan, muscled, with long blonde hair, “rad” is the epitome of cool. However, radical doesn’t refer to the quality of a surf. The definition of radical is “a thorough, extreme change from the traditional beliefs of the past.” The life we have been graciously given through Christ is a radical life.
I recently heard an interview with the noted atheist Richard Dawkins. He said that Christians were backward thinking and out of touch with the times. Instead of being disheartened I was greatly encouraged with this statement. Christ has called His followers to be different than the world. We are called to serve the outcasts, to help the hurting, and to love the unloveable. Each of which is, by definition, a radical idea because it challenges the past beliefs of society. That is why I am encouraged by Dawkins’ words because he sees that Christians are not of this world. He can see, even an atheist, how Christians are living radically.
Living a radical life can take many forms, but most importantly this is a life rooted in the gospel of redemption. Without Christ dying to pay our debt of sin we are nothing. Therefore, to live a radical life we cannot live as our former selves, but as those who have been redeemed by Christ (Eph. 4:19-21). This is the essence of our calling. In all things Christ is first, not our ability, not our pride, but Christ.
Personally, living radically has shown up in my life in a few ways.
In the big picture I felt the Lord calling me to live a radical life through the World Race. This journey throws all of society’s stereotypes out the window. According to the world I should have picked a college and be in the process of picking a dorm and a roommate. Instead, I am planning what to take with me in my two bags to go around the world. This radical trip will allow me to share the gospel and carry out the will of God.
On a smaller scale I am striving to live each day radically as I prepare for my Race. The call to live in Christ doesn’t just apply to Africa, or Asia, but to wherever He calls me. Wherever I am, I am called to life radically. Each day I strive to live as Christ and not in my routine. The Lord has been moving in my life to push me out of my comfort zone. He has made me uncomfortable for His glory.
I challenge you to live each day radically. Days are not to be checked-off, but to be lived. Live each day in Christ. Each day pray that you will be pushed further and further to where you are uncomfortable. Invite the Lord to show up, and show off.
“For none of us lives for ourselves alone, and none of us dies for ourselves alone. If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.” -Romans 14:7-8
Announcements:
-My route has been changed! I am now going to India, Nepal, Zambia, Malawi, and Ecuador.
-I am blown away by the support I have received! I thank you for your support, and I ask for your continued support through prayers and donations.
