I am a creature of habit. Most every morning is the same. Wake up. Work out. Bible study. Go to work. Drink coffee. In fact, if I showed you my daily calendar you would probably laugh at how routine it is every week. Trust me this is how I have to live in order to keep my A.D.D. under control, or else I am all over the place.
While my routine gives me the structure I need for effectiveness, I also get very anxious when things don’t go as planned. I find myself stressed and even shorter fused when my rhythm is disrupted. Truthfully, that exposes a sin problem in me of needing to be in control. But what does this all have to do with anything?
You may be able to relate to my routine, or to the stress felt when disruptions occur. Step into that tension for just a moment, and recognize the power of a disruption. Although not preferred, those moments result in heightened awareness and recognition that things are different.
When we read 1 Peter 4:1-11 there is a challenge for believers to recognize the sin around us and commit to disrupt the norm. Truly we learn that others will notice and we may even suffer for it. When Christians did not join in the sins of unbelievers, the result was not just surprise. The unbelievers became hostile, for Peter says they abuse you.
This has been seen more in 2020 that anytime I can recall, when as Americans we cannot accept that not everyone thinks the same. If you doubt, just scroll your social media feed or watch the news. Anger, contempt, disunity, and division abound. We are called to be different. We are urged as the church of Jesus to disrupt the norms of culture.
Jesus was prone to this….
He disrupted religious rituals like the Passover and giving in worship.
He disrupted cultural norms like racism with the Samaritan woman and the roles of women like with Mary Magdalene.
As you and I follow in His footsteps, we must guard against a mission to create arguments, incite debates, or ruffle feathers. That is not the intent, the language, nor the example of Christ. He disrupted the norms of culture with grace, gentleness, and respect. But make no mistake, as we do so on mission with God it will ruffle feathers.
Living out the Gospel will not go unnoticed
The challenge from Peter in chapter 4 is to live out the Gospel with urgency given that the time of Jesus’ return is close. This requires us to love well, serve well, share well, and live well.
In doing so, we can point others to God and praise Him for the grace and peace that can only be found in Him. While this may change your routine, be on the lookout for divine appointments today to share hope with the world and point others to Jesus. The clock is ticking!