“Radical” is defined in numerous ways. I want you to know that once (or if) you decide to follow me I will definitely redefine the meaning of the word for you. Part of following me (should you decide to do so) is that the bottom line is I am going to ask you to do some very radical stuff. I know what you see as western Christianity is for the most part ego-centric. I have never promised that my people wouldn’t get off track or confused about what it means to follow me totally. Do not get lost in watching the crowd. I will handle that issue in my own time and way. I want to talk to you right now… and hear what I have to say.
You see so many “radical” expressions from other religions through all the media outlets, all of which are being done to gain something by an individual. They do so in order to gain some perverted pleasure, or some mystical state of being. But, here is what I promise you, if you follow me fully:
It is called a CROSS:
First, you need to come to it. Plain and simple! The most radical thing you will ever do is decide to turn from the way you are heading and come to my cross for no other reason than to be free of the burden of sin you have carried. You have to do it, no other person can do it for you!
Next,you will have to take it up. The second most radical thing you will ever do is decide to follow me fully, with the knowledge that to do so is a direct invitation for me to lead you into understanding and doing your full blown purpose. There is no mistake in how I created you. There is only one you; created uniquely by me for a wonderful reason. Admittedly, this is the point I lose most of the people who follow me. They want desperately to have the burden of sin taken from them, but this thing about taking up the cross is a different matter all together. To follow me fully, meaning without reservation, without limitation is unnatural to your humanity. That is why it takes trust. You must trust me and my character enough to place all that you are and all that you have into my care. If you are willing to trust me with removing your sin, will you trust me with yourself?
Now, here is what you can expect once you shoulder the cross:
Overt attacks from the enemy. The enemy (Satan) will not be ever so slightly impressed by your decision to be a radical follower of me. Therefore, he and his imps will turn some of their wicked intentions toward you. What will it look like? Temptation to return to the easier path. Deception. Discouragement. Ask your Mom and Dad, they can tell you about it.
You will be misunderstood. People, people really close to you will not understand your decision. Possible even your parents.
Pain: You will face the reality of rejection as my follower. They rejected me.. why not you?
Loss: That which was once so dear to you will fade in its importance.
Loneliness: There will be times as you lay down your life for me that you will feel overwhelmingly alone. You won’t be though… I will never leave you nor forsake you. Trust me.. not your feelings.
Selflessness: The ultimate expression of following me is putting others needs first before your own. That is my definition of love.
Sacrifice: You will never give up anything for me that would not have prevented something greater from being done in you or others through you. Do not believe that you can have the best of both worlds (as your culture defines best). When you yield your life to me I will ask you to lay aside some things that you hold very dear. Then as you allow me to work in your heart I will open your eyes, ears to others needs, that is when you will want to do whatever it takes to follow me… it will mean sacrifice.
So, where is the benefit you might be asking? Why would you be ever so motivated to follow me knowing what I have told you?
Here are a few:
-You will know that you have walked with me and never been alone. You will know my Presence!
-You will have become like me and never regret otherwise. You will know my Personhood
-You will have been instrumental in changing others lives as I intended before you were born. You will have fulfilled your Purpose
-Your hope will not be in this world and things of this world…. it will be in my Son whom you will have followed fully.
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