Radical

"That was totally radical, Dude!"

"That man is a radical."

These statements have completely different connotations based on their context. One seems to be a good thing, whereas the other seems something to be looked down upon. The definition of the word radical is this: throughgoing or extreme, in regards to change from the accepted or traditional way. It can also mean to go back to the roots of the origin, or fundamental.

I think both of these definitions should be something we aim for as Christians. However, if you tell someone you are a "radical" Christian, they usually give you a funny look like you have gone wrong somewhere in your upbringing. Like you are taking Christianity too far. You're too extreme.

But, it shouldn't be a bad thing to do that! Extreme Christianity is something we are called to. Jesus was not a mediocre person by any means. He was a Jewish man/God who took the religion of his ancestors to the next level. He didn't stop when the Pharisees gave him dirty looks or when the Sadducees talked about him behind his back. He didn't stop when they threatened to kill him. Instead he took it to the next level and created a whole new understanding of man's relationship with God.

If we desire to follow in His footsteps, as I think most Christians desire to do, we should be willing to take our actions and our faith to the next level. We should be returning to the foundations of the Word (Jesus) and be stepping up our game. We should be carrying out his commission in a big way. Putting extra money in the collection plate at church doesn't do that. Money does NOT take care of people. People take care of people. You can "send" all of the money you want to people, but if you don't have someone to take it to them, they will never get it. Our job, the last job Jesus gave us, was to Go into all the world preaching the Gospel. This means taking care of the poor and the sick, ministering to those who need it and those who don't, casting out demons, eradicating poverty, and doing what we are called to do. All of these actions require a person going to do them, not someone sitting in comfort sending others to do it. Sending others does not win you brownie points with God.

The American church at this point has this WRONG. Big time. We are too busy focused on our own kids and problems and living in the comfort of our own homes to care about the rest of the world. We have become apathetic and reactive instead of proactive. The root of the problem is that we are Americans before we are the Church. There is nothing wrong with being an American, until it comes before something that is much more important. It shouldn't just be "God Bless America." It should be "God Bless this Earth." But our identity is rooted in our country rather than our God. We too busy caring about "our own" people to care about the rest of the world. What makes Americans our people? Everyone on this planet is our brother or sister, regardless of their religious affiliation, skin color, sexual orientation, political orientation, social status, etc. Why do we think, as Americans, that we are so much better than everyone else?

Perhaps I am just young and angry at the injustice I see in the world. But I think that gives me power. It gives me the will to do something about it. So many have lost that or never had that at all. I challenge everyone, young and old: Begin to live differently. Begin to love. Begin to apologize for your small mindedness. Begin to be a radical person who can forgive when people wrong you. Begin to serve Jesus in ways he actually wants. Don't make excuses. Begin to be Jesus. Begin to be a radical Christian. If you need help figuring out what that looks like, I will be happy to help.