This has been a topic of discussion with our life group lately. We're reading through the book, Radical by David Platt. I'll say it has been challenging to read. At least within our life group, the book did not receive raving reviews in the very beginning but I think as we read on people are starting to connect with the author. I will admit, personally, while I understand what he was trying to prove with his international examples of people risking their lives for Christ, it was a distraction to know how I can live radically in America. Perhaps it'd be best put as his relevant points were clouded by irrelevant examples. This point is selfish. When I read a book about living for Christ I want to know what it means for me and if I can't relate to people meeting in secret I don't see the point. This way of thinking may not be the best, but I will admit that is my initial reaction. Just like most of us go to church and say, "This church is not meeting MY needs." So we start the church hop. Or we say, "How does this scripture apply to MY life?"
Our latest discussion was on God being our main source for power. We read through the usual verses of being connected to the vine, who is God, and producing fruit or being pruned and cut off. As most discussions we went in a few different directions but one in particular seemed to spark some varying thoughts. What does it look like to "bear good fruit?" Non-Christians can still be good people and do good things. How can you really tell they are of God? How can others tell we, Christians, are of God and producing spirit-filled fruit? How can we be relevant without being worldly?
Oddly enough, this had come up around Christmas time also. What is an appropriate way for Christians to celebrate Christmas? Should we allow Santa to be part of our Christmas celebration or is that a distraction from Jesus? What about putting up decorations for Christmas?
My initial thought is we need to know what's going on in the world around us to be able to be relevant. I am not suggesting we need to try drugs in order to minister to addicts, but shelter ourselves or even deny that drugs are a part of our society is ignorant. Jesus knew what the Jews were up against when it came to being a slave to The Law and religious rituals. He often used that, as did Paul and the other disciples to minister to those around him. Paul was very good at knowing his audience and speaking to their desires and needs (i.e. Acts 20-28). However, he did not partake in the sinful nature of it. Most modern-day missionaries go through months of training and a year or more of living in a culture to learn how those people live. The history of Christian missionaries has been less than perfect because while they try to convert others to Christianity they simultaneously tried to Americanize them. The difference between living in and being part of that culture is missionaries do not take part in the witchcraft or other religious ceremonies that are against God, they also do not abuse or kill "in the name of God" as so many other religious fanatics do.
So what does this mean for us in America? What is going to make us different? What sets us apart from others in society? Should we not be watching TV? Over half of the shows on TV are far from honoring to God. What about movies and music? I've heard a lot of songs that could be considered wholesome yet they mention nothing of God? What about buying "stuff?" If we fill our homes with furniture, small kitchen appliances, clothes, and decorative items are we being slaves to materialism? Would it not speak volumes to those who came to our house and asked why it was so empty to say we place our hope in the things of God and not material things that will fade?
How can we be relevant and radical in our living as a disciple of Christ?
