Language: Radical vs. Standard Christianity

The language we use is very important in that it reveals the way we think about ideas. A popular term as of late is “Radical Christianity”. Refering to our modern day expectations of Christian practice as radical is only correct in the context of the behavior is radical in contrast to the practices of the world. When I look back at what “regular” first century Christianity looked like I see people who sacrificed greatly for their beliefs. There are even people living in places such as China, North Korea, and almost all Muslim nations who sacrifice much; their family ties, their physical freedom, and even sometimes their life. I believe the call to radical Christianity is a well intended attempt to regain the courage in heart and actions western Christianity has lost. The drawback to use of this language is we tend to feel pretty ok about our performance even if we fall significantly short of a radical persute. This feeling of adequacy might not exsist if we called the Christian that is refered to as radical what it is; “Standard Christianity”.

Where is the bar set?

I was at a Methodist conference last Saturday were the audience was thanked for the “sacrifice” of giving up “their” Saturday. This really set me thinking. I respect the speakers very much and know they were being gracious in their thanks, but the message conveyed by such comments is something like this, “you have done your part, you have sacrificed much for the church, go watch football in peace”. This is especially unfortunate as this is counter to the message they presented very articulately and with great passion. So I ask myself, where have I set the bar of spiritual performance and what is the biblical bases for this choice? When I look to the bible for examples this is what I find. Acts 2:42-47 (NIV)  42They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. 44All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. 46Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. 2 Corinthians 11:23-27 (NIV) 23Are they servants of Christ? (I am out of my mind to talk like this.) I am more. I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. 24Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. 25Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, 26I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers. 27I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. Where have I set the bar? Where did Jesus set the bar? Where does the Holy Spirit lead me to set the bar… to be like Christ?   Lord help me to know your will. Please give me the courage and strength to carry it out.