05 27 08 Social Freak

Love must be honest and true. Hate what is evil. Hold on to what is good. Love each other deeply. Honor others more than yourselves. Never let the fire in your heart go out. Keep it alive. Serve the Lord. When you hope, be joyful. When you suffer, be patient. When you pray, be faithful. Share with God's people who are in need. Welcome others into your homes. Bless those who hurt you. Bless them, and do not call down curses on them. Be joyful with those who are joyful. Be sad with those who are sad. Agree with each other. Don't be proud. Be willing to be a friend of people who aren't considered important. Don't think that you are better than others. (Romans 12:9-16 NIrV)

Christian character is contrasted with that of the world in that it endures hardship and difficulties. How can that be? It’s based upon a love that does not observe the surface, but the core. In serving the Lord, a believer rejoices in hope, perseveres through tribulation, while devoted to prayer. There should be a thoroughness and enthusiasm in our lives not typical of others. While we serve God with passion, the world-at-large views us as fanatics. Being a fanatic is accepted as long as it’s for a sports team or social causes. A fanatic (somebody who is very enthusiastic about a pastime or hobby) for Christ is still somewhat of a SOCIAL FREAK!

Why is that? The CHRISTian is characterized by expectation; the world by despair. The CHRISTian observes a physical need and does his or her best to meet it. The CHRISTian opens his home and wallet to those who need hospitality. The CHRISTian responds to mockery and rejection by speaking a word of blessing, rather than a curse. The CHRISTian can share in one’s joy as well as their pain. The CHRISTian is at ease with those of humble means and does not seek to gratify only the wealthy. The CHRISTian knows himself, his sinfulness and the waywardness of his heart. CHRISTian would rather run to trouble than away from it, because we can offer assistance, reassurance, encouragement, comfort, and hope! Are we that CHRISTian that we are deemed freakish?

Why not?