What Do We Normalise?

As a follower of Jesus living in Western society, it is very easy to forget some of the things that we are called to do. Surrounded by consumerism, individualism, materialism, rationalism and all those other “isms” we are so easily distracted to follow the world and not Jesus.

I think one of the reasons this happens is because we normalise our behaviour – we convince ourselves that it is OK. Think about some of these examples of everyday stuff that maybe reflects those things we normalise:

• It’s OK for me to spend more time watching TV than reading my Bible – and while I am at it, given I watch so much TV it is probably time I upgrade to the new 3D, LED thin screen model
• My iPhone 3 is 2 years old now so it’s probably time to upgrade to the iPhone 4 and while I’m there I can think of lots of good reasons why I could use an iPad as well
• I’m running late for work so it’s OK to speed to get there
• Someone in the workplace or school is being picked on for the way they look or dress, I won’t join in because I know that is not right – but it’s probably safer not to say anything to stop it – that might cause too much attention on me
• I really don’t like that person because they…
• It’s the government’s job to provide welfare services for the sick, homeless and needy people of our society, so I don’t need to worry about it

Now these are probably some really simple examples – but it’s all about the heart attitude and how much we desire as well as live out our life to be a follower of Jesus. That life is about constant transformation – changing things in our own life to be more like Him. Ultimately Jesus says we need to lay down our own life to receive our best life and I think that partly means not normalising the things we do just because it’s the same as everyone around us.

So if we are not normalising our life against the pattern of the world but seeking a rhythm that follows Jesus, have a think about some of the things He said to people about how we should live (make sure you read the linked verses and don’t just take my word for it…):

- Leave your job and follow Jesus
- Love the people that you don’t like
- Look after the sick, feed the hungry, give shelter to the homeless, visit the prisoners
- Sell your possessions and give to the poor
- Pray for healing anywhere, anytime

So let’s not be normal.

Be The Church

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