Followers of Christ
The way early disciples lived with mystified people around them because the disciples seemed to live in another world. The principles that guided them clearly differed from those that guided others. They practiced a way of life both beautiful and mysterious. Their lives made sense only if one knew that they were living by the power and guidance of God.
Their lives were governed by the reign of God and not by the press of politics or the call of culture because they chose to live their lives in obedience to and in the presence of God. Their radical love for God and neighbor resulted in dramatic actions that perplexed all who observed them.
When we move securely into the reign and presence of God, our lives also take on a beautiful and mysterious quality because God’s presence and principles are being expressed in all that we are and in all that we do. Our actions prompt sometimes gratitude and sometimes perplexity in others. They prompt sometimes joy and gratitude within our lives and sometimes weariness when our radical actions are misunderstood.
But we are not alone. The first-generation Christians lived this radical faith every day. Their actions caught the world’s attention both positively and negatively, but their actions like ours were not calculated to bring a response; rather, their actions and ours are a response.
A response to God’s amazing grace that has apprehended us in Jesus Christ. An amazing grace that accepts us, assures us, sustains us, and always holds us close in the embrace of divine love. Such radical grace prompts a radical response.
—Reuben P. Job
I’m struck by today’s reading and its mention of “the press of politics and the call of culture.” Does that not speak of the times we’re living in? This is a similar climate to the times early believers endured. Of those early God-followers, Reuben Job observes, “their lives were governed by the reign of God and not by the press of politics or the call of culture.” We’re called to consider the fruit of their resolve: their actions caught the attention of those around them to the extent people accused Christ followers of turning the world upside down. We are called to live a life that differentiates faith from unbelief. We are called to be world changers, and this starts with our refusing to give in. —DH
—David Hoskins, Founder & Care Guide, Sanctuary Clinics