Created for the abnormal

Chad gets it:

I know that I was created for the abnormal. I know that I was not created for what society tells us to live. I know that I was created for something so much different that will look in this world’s eye, as fanatical.

Why is it we are so afraid of being different than what the world expects us to be? In the Bible, the Greek word we translate as “church” is “ek-klesia.” It literally means the “those who are called out.”

The problem is we want to be “Christian,” but we don’t really want to be different than our unbelieving neighbors. We want to love the same things they love, do the same things they do, drive the same cars, live in the same houses, pursue the same goals…you get the picture. But if we were truly “called out” wouldn’t there be differences between the way we live and the way non-Christ followers live? Wouldn’t we be making different choices and have different priorities?

Those differences do not come automatically. That’s why Paul told us:

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

Paul knew we really wanted to be like everyone else. But he also knew that wasn’t good enough. Being like everyone else is normal. He knew we were created for the abnormal. You see, it’s abnormal to put God first. It’s abnormal to prioritize your day according to kingdom needs, to see things through a kingdom viewpoint, to operate each day under kingdom power. Sometimes it’s worse than abnormal. Sometimes, it’s downright weird.

But its in the abnormal that God does His work. Its abnormal for us to love like Christ. But when we do hearts are touched, and changed. Its abnormal for us to persevere when there seems like there is no hope. And yet when we do, God shows up. Its unexplainably abnormal for us to pledge a set percentage of our weekly, bi-weekly or monthly income to the church. Yet when we do God promises to bless us.

Are you ready to be abnormal? Are you ready to live life with kingdom thinking and kingdom action? Are you ready for abnormal?