Act Inappropriately

When Danny was an only child (for 8 years), he would get off by himself and play on [what seems like] another planet.  For hours, he enjoyed his own little world, conversing with imaginary people.  Come to think of it, that’s not much different than what Mr. Bill does now!

 

How attentive are you to the spiritual realm of life?  You’ve probably noticed much of what I write is how the natural realm of life relates to the spiritual.  It’s a common discipline [of mine] to look at real-world stuff then relate it to a spiritual parallel; applying Scripture to life is actually a great exercise!  As a general rule, the world doesn’t operate [consciously] in the spiritual realm.  Its responses are usually reactionary: return insult-for-insult, seek vengeance-for-injustice, and so on.  Jesus commanded a different and better way, “But I say to you, do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.” (Matthew 5:39).  His words must have rocked 1^st century as much as the present century!  To be treated in such a way seems totally worthy of an appropriate worldly reaction, but Jesus instructs us in this verse to … act inappropriately!  Consider Jesus’ uncommon behavior when He was slapped, spit upon, beaten, mocked, then paraded through the streets of Jerusalem on His way to the cross – “When He was reviled, He did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but continued entrusting Himself to Him Who judges justly.” (1 Peter 2:23).  When a Christian is humiliated, it becomes an opportunity to defend the Honor of Jesus Christ Whom we profess.  This is, of course, very inappropriate behavior by the world’s standards – although very spiritually … appropriate.  “A disciple realizes that it is his Lord’s honor that is at stake in his life, not his own honor.” (Oswald Chambers).  Laying aside me-myself-I and taking-up Christ-likeness is just what Paul writes about – “And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” (Galatians 5:24).  Crawling upon the personal cross with disregard (total abandon) for ourselves is tough but the best way to reflect The Savior, Who laid all aside.  Let us carefully consider how we will respond to life when it happens: rock the real world … act inappropriately!