Called to a Weird Life

When we Christians think of weird Christians, we tend to think of groups of people who pull out of culture and form their own community living, especially those who dress and talk differently.  Some may make fun of the Amish who have a completely different lifestyle than almost anyone on the planet.  Some may look at those who choose not to send their children to public school as strange and give a sideways glance at those who don't watch (or own) TV or who stand out because of their decisions to dress differently.

Unfortunately, these kinds of "weirdness" (defined as not normal) are not what i would talk about in terms of being called to a weird life.  Just look at Jesus teaching.  There are so many things that Jesus teaches that goes beyond what we would call normal.  In fact, obedience to Jesus alone goes beyond the normal in a culture that would say there are many voices we need to listen to, not just one.  Let's just go ahead and admit it, what Jesus teaches us as far as our actions are concerned is not normal for our culture:

• Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you
• If someone hits you on the cheek, turn the other cheek so they can hit it as well
• Lend to your enemies not expecting repayment
• Forgive, be merciful, just as God is merciful
• Pray that we receive forgiveness to the extent that we forgive others
• Do not worry or be anxious

I could go on and on.  Many of these things are seen as weird in our culture AND really don't fit very comfortably.  However, they provide a solid ground for us to live on.  Jesus said the one who hears his word and obeys is like the man who builds his house on the rock.  When the storms come the house can stand.  It is obedience to Jesus' teaching that gives us a solid life.  It may be weird, but it is solid!