Life is an adventure and while there are many ways we can live our lives, I contend that Christianity, while radical, is the best way to live a life that is abundantly fulfilling. Sadly, for the non-Christian, when they reach old age and reflect back on their life, find only memories of what could have been. And, when they look forward only a future fast approaching its terminal point.
It may seem paradoxical but the distinctness and radical nature of Christianity is in reality what makes it most attractive. I love how John Stott states this paradox: “It is when the new community is most obviously distinct from the world – in its values, standards and lifestyle – that it presents the world with a radically attractive alternative and so exercises its greatest influence for Christ.”1
Below are just three ways in which the Christian worldview is both radical, yet strangely attractive:
The Christian view on death
Again, John Stott adds insight here: “The radical biblical perspective is to see death not as the termination of life but as the gateway to life.”2 The world sees death as the end, while the Christian sees it as a new beginning. My friends, Christians are, or should be, people of great joy, knowing that whether they live or die, they win. No wonder the Apostle Paul said: “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21). Having this mindset makes life so different than viewing death as our final resting place.
The Christian view on enemies
While the world views our enemies as people to be hated and avoided, the Bible tells us something quite radical. For we read in (Matthew 5:44): “But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.” This verse, perhaps one of the most radical in all of Scripture, is a central theme in Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, and holds in it, some of the central precepts of what being a Christian is all about. As I practice this command of our Lord, I feel so much closer to Jesus, sleep well at night, and know that I am pleasing the Creator of the universe.
The Christian view on suffering
In our world where suffering, pain, and afflictions happen to all of us we have two ways that we can react. For the non-Christian they feel that life can seem so unfair and harsh and often say if there is a God, then why is he allowing this. But for the Christian, suffering, pain, and afflictions, are all part of the curse that sin has brought upon the world. In addition, Christians understand that God often uses these negatives to help us grow in our walk with Christ, to lean more on Jesus, as steppingstones to learn some great lessons, and as opportunities to glorify the Lord as we trust Jesus to pull us through – and thus praise His name! Thus we can view suffering as either temporary pain or long term gain.
All three of these examples, while radical to the non-believer, when viewed from the Christian perspective make so much sense and make for a strangely attractive alternative lifestyle that not only brings joy, peace, and rich meaning, but the ultimate reward of eternal life.
Christianity – yes it’s radical, but it’s the best way to live and certainly the best way to die!
Radically true, radically encouraging words! On this Thanksgiving Day, I give God thanks for you and your steadfast faithfulness to writing this blog!
1 Chronicles 16:34–Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His love endures FOREVER!