Radical
| 1. | of or going to the root or origin; fundamental: a radical difference. |
| 2. | thoroughgoing or extreme, esp. as regards change from accepted or traditional forms: a radical change in the policy of a company. |
| 1. | not hesitating or fearful in the face of actual or possible danger or rebuff; courageous and daring: a bold hero. |
| 2. | not hesitating to break the rules of propriety; forward; impudent: He apologized for being so bold as to speak to the emperor. |
| 1. | not ashamed; not restrained by embarrassment or consciousness of moral guilt: a liar unashamed even after public disgrace. |
| 2. | open; unconcealed; unabashed: to eat with unashamed gusto. |
I guess what I am seeing is a lot of people wanting these words for the sake of shock and awe, to lure people, and to make oneself stand out a little more. Actually when I think about these words, it reminds me of high schoolers. They want to be all these things, but really inside they are scared, insecure, pimply teenagers. I did a LOT of things to make myself stand out in high school but it never lasted.
What I am wondering is if this "radical movement" is just another generational thing that just gets phased out into the next generation because we are really just scared, insecure, and trying our hardest to be cool?
I see churches trying hard to keep up with the "times", making sure the music is a little on the "edge", the sermons are a little more bold, having big Holy Spirit revivals, or preparing huge community service functions that the congregation can help in but also get lost in. It is easy to be a radical if everyone else is doing it, right? Please don't get me wrong, these things are just fine, actually these things can be very good, but are we totally missing the point again?
I just keep hearing the Lord say, "I didn't call you to be "radical", I called you to love Me and love your neighbor." We like to skip over the relationship part of life, don't we? It's much easier that way. Much easier to map out and plan. But if we do it this way, it is only temporary. Being radical will get tiring and old.
What I have been understanding more is this: When you decide to really enter into relationship with Him, our Father, Savior and Friend, and when you really start letting Him love you the whole "radical" thing will just happen. Like a cup, if you fill it too full, it will just spill out all over the place, just like that. God's love is like a never-ending pitcher of water that keeps filling and filling as long as you let Him. It is usually a one-on-one thing with God, up close and personal. There is no striving, no doing anything radical, just let Him love you and fill you and all of this will be added unto you. His love is what causes the action.
It's easy to get off track, I do it all the time. But it all comes back to your relationship with Jesus Christ. Even if something looks radical, feels good or wonderful and causes a lot of good in the world, doesn't mean it is rooted in Good. These things that are not rooted in our Lord and Savior will all pass away.
God loves us and He wants the things that we do to be everlasting, not because of us or how many people we brought to church or whatever, but because of Him. He wants us to bring Him glory!
As for the Coulombes I'm praying that this adventure and all the details leading up to it bring Him much praise and glory. Selling everything and ministering across the States in RVs with 3 little kids is radical, a little crazy, but radical. However, I pray that our flesh would stay out of it, and that we would travel the States in Spirit and Truth. We don't want to be another fad that temporarily eases pain or trouble. We want God to be the root of all that we do, no matter what it is, depositing everlasting Hope and Peace.
"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." Matthew 6:33
2 comments:
You're a wise woman Serenity! Relationships...letting Christ's love compel us into loving others in a way that people, even our own flesh will see as radical.
Thanks for sharin this. I was just reading My Utmost for His Highest this morning and Chambers was talking about how we often tried to fullfill the vision God lays on our hearts in our own efforts. And just as you've shared the way to not do that is just to love others as He's loved us and He'll plant us and bloom us and fullfill the purposes (radical, bold, unashamed as they mbay be) He has for us.
Wow! You're family is already having such an impact on many just in your surrender to Jesus. May you always be compelled by loving Him.
Sheila
Seren, this is great stuff. I love you friend. Keep on sharing your LIFE with us. You are great at relationships and I'm honored to be your friend.
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