Christian Living
Silent Lifestyles
Today has been serene, a most beautiful day. I have mixed emotions when silence is louder than the roar. On one hand, it’s nice to flow through the day as if a gentle stream, lazily moving about at my will. But on the other, I feel the need to be in the midst of a great tumult, dwelling on the edge. I’m talking about in your face Christianity, living Jesus out loud. It’s more than words, it’s a lifestyle. And my life isn’t my own, I was bought at a price (I Co 6:20). Let’s look at those who lived Jesus upfront.
John the Baptist was born in the fullness of the Spirit. When Mary and Elizabeth were carrying Jesus and John, they jumped for joy in there mothers bellies (Luke 1:39-56). He lived in a desert on meager fare and announced the arrival of the King (Matt 3). Then Herod had him bound and imprisoned, because of his rebuke to Philip, the king’s brother, about Herodias (Matt 14:1-12). John lost his head because he spoke the truth. Walking in truth is freedom, regardless where the chips fall. And it cost him his life.
Stephen lived Jesus at the fore front. The libertines disputed with Stephen, but couldn’t stand against the wisdom in which he spoke. Being they wanted his silence, secretly they brought false witnesses against him, saying that he blasphemed Moses and God. He was brought before the counsel, and with the face of an angel; he quoted the word to them. And with boldness he told them of the persecutions and the murdering of the righteous one. Stephen lived on the edge with in your face Christianity, and for this, he was stoned (Acts 6:8 – 7:60).
Paul thought he was a shining star, by putting to death the heretics of Christ. But there was a life changing event. He was blinded, so he could see, on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-19). After that day Paul lived on the edge, he endured hardships, beatings, imprisonment. He was delivered to councils, regarded by the Israelites as an impostor. He was ship wrecked, stoned, and left for dead (Acts 13:1- 28:31). Paul lived in the fullness of Christ; it was outside his comfort zone that he walked. But he took it to the streets regardless of the thorn in his side.
Yes, I love the lazy days, but is there such a thing in Christ? Have I labored enough for a break? When the silence is louder than the roar, we have a problem. Parents know this very well, when you can’t hear your children, there’s a situation brewing. When we’re living silent before our Father, trouble is around the bend. Christianity is more than words, it’s a lifestyle.
2007 Randall Wadley
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