Radical is Normal?

The word “radical” is so frequently thrown around in Christian communities today. You’ve probably heard it: “Live radically for the kingdom! We are called to a radical way of life!” I think it’s kind of a hyperbole. “Really? An elephant is big? Oh. Wow! Thank you for pointing that out for me. I don’t know how I hadn’t noticed.” That’s the analogy that my mind immediately makes when I think of the word “radical” as it pertains to the Jesus-Mission: “Really? The Jesus-Mission is radical? Oh. Wow! Thank you for pointing that out for me. I don’t know how I hadn’t noticed.”

Perhaps this is true for those who know nothing of the Jesus-Mission, that is, picking up your cross as you die daily to the desires of the flesh and choose to live the way Jesus did, instead.

The Jesus-Mission is radical and the Jesus-Mission is normal. It’s both. But the question applies to both sides of that coin: Compared to what? If we’re going by the standard set by Jesus Himself, the way our current definition of “radical” calls us to live is actually pretty normal. In the context of our calling, we’re mediocre at best. So, what about in the context of our culture? Well, that requires an even more specific contextualization. All these things that we think are radical—choosing to worship out in the dirt under the trees instead of in a glitzy building, spending minimally on food and clothing and toys, living simply and focusing on delving into true community because it’s all we have to cling to—are everyday life in some other cultures, and not even by choice. In Christian communities outside of middle-class America, “radical” is just normal. In those contexts, you look foolish for commending yourself for your lifestyle, because you’re just…normal.

I don’t really care what we call it, honestly, radical or normal, but we should just shut up and strive for it. You think Christians in rural Africa or Mexico or even the most impoverished areas of the United States walk around talking about how “radical” they are? No way. Paul didn’t walk around bragging about walking worthy of the calling set before him (because that’s the point of being radical in the first place, right?). Nope. He walked it and invited other people to walk with him. He also said that if he does decide to boast, it’ll only be in the Lord, not in his own radical lifestyle. Besides, if we’re really living in a way that is radical within our own cultural context, two things will likely happen. The people within that context who do not know Jesus will think we are insane and will probably treat us like social outcasts. The people who do know Jesus will feel extremely uncomfortable, because in seeing how radically we live, they will not be able to stand their own consciences.

If we haven’t experienced either of these, we shouldn’t be talking so much about living radically, because we aren’t. It’s not about trying to be marginalized; it’s just the nature of our calling. The gospels and Acts aren’t really suggestions or entertaining anecdotes about the kind of lifestyle we should pursue. Our culture today isn’t any less brutal (albeit in a different way) than the one we read about in the New Testament. If they were persecuted, we should expect the same treatment. Because if we’re truly living out the Jesus-Mission, it’s inevitable.

I’m not radical. I’m pretty normal. But, hey, I’m trying, and grace abounds for my weakness and selfishness that calls me back into the former way of things. It abounds for yours, too. So, we can pick up our crosses side by side and keep walking, in hope and joy. Before “being radical,” there was the Jesus-Mission. It’s of first importance.

"Sometimes I would like to ask God why He allows poverty, suffering, and injustice when He could do something about it."
"Well, why don't you ask Him?"
"Because I'm afraid He would ask me the same question."

I Corinthians 4:6-17

Father,
Teach us to pursue purpose, not just passion, love in deed, not just word, and lives that look more like the ones that we read about in Your holy scriptures. Give us a greater understand of what it means to take up our crosses, so that when we throw around words with heavy weight, we will not throw them around in vain. Thank you for loving us when we are arrogant and misguided. We want to love you more.
Through Jesus, the one who created the mission that we cling to,
Amen.

Erin E. Daugherty, Abilene Christian University