Unorthodox: contrary to what is usual, traditional or accepted; not orthodox. This is my newest mission: to be unorthodox for Christ in my dealings with people. I want to be different, I want to stand out, because that is what Jesus did during His time on earth. ”Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world — the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life — is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.” 1 John 2:15-17
This desire was implanted in me last Wednesday during my weekly meeting with my mentor. We were discussing how Christianity, at times, can be watered-down and fearful. Christians can be too afraid to step out of their comfort zone and meet the needs of those around them. I don’t want this to be true of me. Since then, I’ve been searching out opportunities to meet people’s lesser known needs. It’s amazing to see how God has revealed Himself to me through this. There are two “unorthodox” truths that He has really impressed on my heart as I’ve sought to grow in this area.
1.) I need to have His Word hidden in my heart: I go to a Christian College; I take several Bible classes, all so I can be more familiar with the Scripture and in turn, a better witness for Christ. However, this last week I was highly convicted during a devotional done by my brother RA. He brought up the point that there might be a time when we don’t have Bibles anymore. Do we know enough to still be able to share the Gospel clearly? Or explain what we believe? If I want to be unorthodox for God, I have to know His truths by heart.
2.) In His presence, I will be transformed: It’s obvious that time in God’s Word and prayer is a must. But why? Thomas Kelly once said in one of his speeches, ”in that silence; find yourselves continually recreated, and realigned and corrected again and again from warping effects of outer affairs.” When I spend time with God in the silence, He refines me. No one needs me, nor wants what I have to offer…they want God, they need God. Unless I am walking in the Spirit, being renewed by Him, I’m useless.
I’m a failure. One of my favorite songs says, “Cause I am a sinner, if it’s not one thing, it’s another.” Isn’t that the truth? God doesn’t need me or my “good works.” However, He adores me and chooses to use me for His glory. That’s the most confusing and incredible thing to me. God is not one of orthodoxy. He doesn’t fit into religious traditions or comfort zones, He’s too big for that. He looks so different from anything of this world and because I died with Christ, I should too. ”I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Gal. 2:20