In it but not of it...

As you can see, i am not doing very well with keeping up with this blog thing. I am hoping to get better. Disciplined - even. Any way... today I have been thinking about God calling us to be in the world, but not of the world and what that looks like?

The best example I can think of is Jesus, so we'll start (and finish) there. He was in it - but not of it. He used examples people could understand to show them his father and point them to his kingdom. He met them where they were at, connected with them using the familiar. So, how do we, as believers keep up with what is going on in the world so when we speak to people in the world we are relevant and sound intelligent, but not become so wrapped up in it that we can be said to be "of the world"? I think Jesus would say that his connection with his father allowed him to be able to do this. He stole time away with his father on a regular basis - away from the "world". He talked with him and kept the relationship strong. So I think that is the key for us as well. Keeping our relationship strong with our heavenly father will allow us to be in the world but not of it. To be a good witness to those he places in our path. It will be difficult, even distasteful at times, but we are called to follow this example. The bible doesn't give us the opportunity to pick and choose what pieces of it we want to follow.

I'm up for the challenge - are you?

Revolutionary

Revolutionary

Revolutionary
–adjective

1.	of, pertaining to, characterized by, or of the nature of a revolution, or a sudden, complete, or marked change: a revolutionary junta.

2.	radically new or innovative; outside or beyond established procedure, principles, etc.: a revolutionary discovery.

3.	of or pertaining to the American Revolution or to the period contemporaneous with it in U.S. history: Revolutionary heroes; Revolutionary weapons.

4.	a revolutionist.

When you hear the word "revolutionary" what do you think of? War? Innovation? Difference? I guess I think of all of those things, and even in the context of my walk with Christ they seem to apply. I am at war with the things that would compete for my affections from the One I desire most to give them to. I am at war with the enemy who wants nothing more than to win the battle we engage in each and every day. I strive to be innovative in my thinking so as to draw others to the One who created me this way. I long to be different, set apart from the world and the ones who embrace it. To be radical, to push the limit, to be looked at as a warrior for the cause of Jesus Christ, to be a Revolutionist!

Some days are better than others when I measure myself on this invisible revolutionary scale I have in my mind. What I feel God has called me to be, made me to be, longs for me to be. But I hear Him reminding me that as a warrior, He has outfitted me for battle if I will just put on my armor and pick up my sword. I hear Him compelling me to be still and listen long enough for Him to reveal His infinate innovative ways to draw people to His side. I hear Him once again telling me that I need to be true to the person He has made me to be and not be afraid to be different, challenging me - almost toe to toe sometimes, to step up!

I am a revolutionary! I will not appologize for it and I will not water it down just because it may make you uncomfortable in your little "christian bubble". Is God calling you to be one? Can you hear Him? Will you answer the call?