meditations for an everyday relationship with Jesus

How are we radicals?

1Peter 2:13-15 Submit to every human institution because of the Lord, whether to the Emperor as the supreme authority, or to governors as those sent out by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For it is God's will that you, by doing good, silence the ignorance of foolish people.

We talk freely about being “radical,” though most of us really don’t understand its root meaning. The actual definition is to be fully committed and thoroughgoing.

In Christ Jesus we are indeed radical, passionate and fully committed, though we support governments we do not make it our goal to overthrow them and we honor kingdoms. We know that God will have the final word; we do not need to wage His wars for Him.

Our constructive activities will do more to silence the tongues of the ignorant than any protest.

What did Paul tell the Thessalonians?

1Thessalonians 4:10-12

But we encourage you, brothers, to do so even more, to seek to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, so that you may walk properly in the presence of outsiders and not be dependent on anyone.

Paul was teaching the Thessalonians to work quietly and let their everyday lives speak for Christ. In this way we are also asked not to shy away from the workplace, but to engage in it so that our light might shine brightly to others.

We are commanded to be “glow in the dark” people who shine brightly in the darkness of this world. By the grace of God we can be a light to the paths of others.