Radical... what does this really mean?

Radical.  I'm reading the book Radical by David Platt.  I've mentioned it before in one of my blogs.  I typically read it while I'm doing static traction for my herniated discs in my neck.  This means that it is taking me a while to read the book and that I can't take notes easily because that is hard to do.

What does "radical" really mean?  Per the Webster's New World Children's Dictionary, 2nd edition, "radical" as a noun means "a person who favors basic or great changes or reforms."  Change..... transformation.

Jesus has been described as a radical.  Jesus wasn't afraid to push the envelope of teaching, of learning, of growth.  He did it every single time he said, "You have heard that it was said...But I say to you..."  (See Matthew 5:21--46, but read the entire chapter for context.)  What is Jesus doing each time?  He is expanding his teaching, his way.  The old way no longer works.  Jesus has a new way of looking at things and it is radical.  It requires change.  It requires humility, love, perseverance, grace, forgiveness, reconciliation.  Yet, at the same time, Jesus is offering something new:  freedom!  Freedom from laws and rules that left one feeling that they had only "done their duty". 

Freedom is radical!

We are cautioned to not use this freedom for evil (1 Peter 2:16).  Our freedom in Christ must not become a stumbling block to someone else. 

Like every aspect of the journey, freedom has its bumps and bruises.  It's a journey in itself to learn and grow in the freedom of Christ. 

Knowing Christ and knowing who we are in Christ are crucial components of our freedom.  We must know who we are and whose we are.  As we become confident in that, we are better prepared to reach out to others, to share freedom with them, to love them as Christ has asked us to in Matthew 5.

Neil Anderson has some great resources on freedom in Christ!  Here is a link to his Freedom in Christ Ministries website: http://www.ficm.org/newsite/index.php.  There is a poster that expresses "Who I Am In Christ".  Check it out: http://www.ficm.org/newsite/index.php?command=whoamiinchrist.  (The print is available for order in their online bookstore.)

Where are you on the journey in relationship to knowing who you are and whose you are?  Where are you on the journey in relationship to freedom in Christ? 

What changes need to happen so that you and I are living more like Christ? 

May there be joy along the journey!

~Debra