A Call to Live Radically

While my daughter was pregnant, she and her husband lived with their two small children in a camper, helping to care for 19 foster and adopted children. Not only they, but the parents of these nineteen children, were living a radical life-calling. My daughter and her family now live overseas in a climate with over 100-degree temperatures and no air conditioning. They are learning three languages to effectively communicate with their neighbors and to move to a small village to translate Scripture into the tribe’s native tongue. This all sounds pretty radical to me.

Giving up a very successful military career and moving his family to a small village in India, another friend is one of a few surgeons tirelessly treating the downcast and extremely impoverished. Existing from day to day, unsure of his next paycheck amid government unrest, his calling includes much sacrifice and suffering. He and his family are living radically.

We all know people who have chosen to take the uncharted course; to live what I would term radically. According to the world’s standards, their lifestyles make little sense. Why would they intentionally endure hardship? How do they expect to get ahead? Build a nest egg? Provide for their children to graduate from college?

In a comfort-driven “me” culture, these unconventional lifestyles often invoke three contrasting responses in no particular order: intrigue, envy, and guilt.

I find myself intrigued by what drew them to color outside the lines. Was it a certain personality or character trait that caused them to be dissatisfied with the status quo? Or was it a uniquely discerning spirit they sensed, calling them out from the ordinary? Always interested in someone’s story and the motivation behind their actions, I find myself intrigued by those who determine to live radically according to the world’s standards.

Along with intrigue, I confess I’m often envious of those willing to buck tradition and expectations to radically follow Jesus - those who choose a non-traditional approach to their sense of purpose and calling. There is a steadfastness in their step and a confident determination to blaze a new trail without caring if anyone else follows. Not concerned with leading or following, they set off on a journey with the companions of uncertainty, risk, loneliness, misunderstanding, financial and physical hardship, and overall great sacrifice.

These characteristics remind me of Paul and certainly of Jesus. Oh, to have the faith of Isaiah as he exclaims, “Here I am, Lord, send me” (Isaiah 6:8). Or to follow obediently like Abraham who left his home and country and set out for a land God would show him. These and many more depict radical lifestyles and noble examples to follow.

As I read Scripture or books or hear stories of those living counter-culturally, I sometimes also find myself wrestling with guilt. Should I sell everything I have and give it all to the poor? Must I move to Africa and live in a jungle to show how much I love Jesus? Perhaps God would be most pleased if I spent my days walking the streets laden with a heavy wooden cross across my back, sweat pouring down my brow while passing out tracts to those who stop to inquire about my radical lifestyle. (And yes, I’ve witnessed each of these scenarios.)

I’m reminded of the story in Acts when all the believers sold everything they had and had everything in common. Does that make you just a little nervous as it does me, that Jesus might actually call me to do something so radical?

The reality, though, is that Jesus is calling each of us to live radically. Forgiving those who hurt us or harm our children is one way He calls us to live radically. When Jesus taught his disciples to turn the other cheek, they were challenged to respond counter-culturally by not retaliating or attempting to get even. I realized this in a recent conversation about another religion’s teaching of “an eye for an eye.” When someone insults their god, severe punishment, including death, is required. The concept of forgiveness is very foreign to those who follow this religion. In contrast, following Jesus’ demonstration of forgiveness to those who hurt us is a radical response.

Whether we have plenty or live in need, enjoy comfort, or endure challenging circumstances, we are all called to live counter-culturally. In what ways might God be calling you to live radically during this season of your journey?