So, how am I stepping out of my comfort zone?
Inspired by this book and the songs on the soundtrack of "Slumdog Millionaire," (watch the movie,) I am beginning to ask these questions:
Why has the Lord given me so much food I can dedicate a day to eating, while thanking Him?
Why has the Lord given me so much energy?
Why has the Lord given me more money than most households throughout the world?
Why has the Lord burdened my heart for children and mothers?
Why has the Lord allowed me to grow in my sorrow for souls?
Why has the Lord saved my soul?
Why has the Lord kept me single? (This is a stewardship that requires PURPOSEFUL use. I think most singles don’t purpose out how to “invest” this stewardship. How can we earn interest on this investment?!?)
Why has the Lord given me a brain that enjoys reading, researching, and writing?
I know it’s not just so I can use them and die.
What would be a reasonable conclusion then, acknowledging that He requires me to give up all for His name, that true religion is to serve orphans and widows, and knowing that I will be held accountable for how I used what He gave me?
I put forth: ordinary radicalism.
If I could have dinner with anyone in the past -- Biblical or non - I would dine with Stephen. (Although, Ruth IS beginning to climb the charts.)
I would like to be like Stephen. Not just because he was the first martyr, but because he was, ”full of faith and the Holy Spirit.” A man who worked “among the people.” A man whose wisdom and Spirit-led life could not be resisted. He was an ordinary radical.
And, truly, since Ruth is climbing the charts (I am reading Ruth right now,) she was an ordinary radical too. She didn't do what her sister-in-law did. She didn't do what her mother-in-law tried to persuade her to do. She was a virtuous, submissive, God-honoring woman who worked hard and so had a God-glorifying reputation through out the village.
So, how do I actually APPLY this concept?
Before reading the “Irresistable Revolution” book I purposed to make cookies for people at Starbucks and for my apartment neighbors, and to attach a note in hopes that it starts a way to get to know people.
Good thing I read the book because I almost backed out of giving the cookies to my neighbors (and co-workers).
I made the cookies, got them all “cutsie,” and then almost didn’t pass them out because I was afraid of how people would receive them and I didn’t want to intrude on my neighbors’ lives.
HELLO (idiot) – how else do you get to KNOW people? How else do you get to share the Gospel?!
Other Hypothetical Ways to Be an Ordinary Radical:
I am not going home for Christmas this year.
I don’t think Starbucks will be open.
I am thinking about serving in a homeless shelter.
I applied to sub in an urban school…we’ll see what the Lord would provide.
I am trying to get to know and develop relationships with people at church.
I have gone to many strangers’ homes, searching for a Bible study and desiring to get to know people.
(Remember, the Lord has brought me back to my nerdy days: I do NOT prefer socializing, particularly with strangers. Unfortunately, here in Ohio the only non-stranger is my father.)
I am seeking to research more in order to improve my mind.
Purpose:
Start using what the Lord has given me, (time, money, health, energy, love for children, etc.) and see what He does and how He directs.
In conclusion:
Be an ordinary radical right NOW. Right where you are!
How can we all do this in PRACTICAL ways?
Do you know your family? GET TO KNOW THEM!
Do you know your neighbors?! GET TO KNOW THEM!
Do you KNOW people in your church? GET TO KNOW THEM!!
Do you know your co-workers? GET TO KNOW THEM!!
Do you know your classmates? GET TO KNOW THEM!
Do you know geography? Politics? History? Different cultures? Philosophy? Literature?
GET TO KNOW THEM!!!!!!!!!!
Don’t just ASSUME things about people because they are “liberal” or “dress a certain way” or speak in a girlish manner… GET TO KNOW THEM so you can serve them. So you can glorify God in the marketplace based on your good works and faithfulness to the name and calling of our Lord, (die to yourself and love your enemies).
Live as an ordinary RADICAL.
Be a discipling-evangelist, (i.e. a servant).
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