Why Be Normal?

Christianity is rampant with misconceptions and prejudices. We’re either deranged, stupid, perverted, weak; the list could go on. But I know two things: These adjectives don’t describe me and there are many other Believers who could make the same claim. True Jesus Followers are the antithesis of these sorts of persons. We shouldn’t be too surprised with these views as during these days, evil is called good and abnormal is called normal. With His perfect creation good and normal were synonymous, as nothing was not good, so only good existed – ipso facto, it was normal. Continuing, evil and abnormal were (and are), anything deviating from God’s perfect plan. For example, adultery and homosexuality which clearly are evil and abnormal from God’s perspective (the only perspective Believers should be concerned with), are often celebrated as normal and good.

Great – so what? So, let’s stick to our guns and encourage one another. Just as when an ignorant individual makes a snarky comment and to offer encouragement to not take it to heart someone says, “consider the source”, we have to consider the source of the many snarky comments we will endure: the world. They just don’t get it. Nobody “gets it”, until they get Jesus.

My relationship with Christ has made me more emotionally stable, intelligent, moral, and yes, even physically stronger; than I could ever be without Him. Emotionally stable due to all the comfort derived from His promises in the Bible. Intelligent, because of my intimate connection to the omniscient God. Moral, as I strive to become more sanctified with the Holy Spirits constant guidance. Physically strong, as even non-believers understand the direct correlation between a healthy mind and body. All of these things contribute to making me a better husband, father, son, friend, and citizen.

My feeling is that much of the ridicule (if not animosity), directed towards Christians in this county is driven by jealousy. Even the heathen admire the qualities of a truly converted Christian (how could you not), but they know it is unattainable for them unless they renounce their ways. But of course, that is the rub. They can’t, because they won’t. As with any unconverted person; they enjoy their sin. He is long-suffering and does not desire any to perish, but many do. Not because God doesn’t want them; they don’t want God.

This becomes clearer as I get older and observe others my age (59), and above, who still happily gallivant through life paying no heed to things eternal. They babble endlessly regarding Facebooking, latest cellphones, politics (maybe), cars, and a myriad of things that will not last. Of course we see the folly, but more often than not, to point this out to them only creates friction as they want the things that bring them pleasure for a season. These are intelligent people who exhibit discipline in their lives in many areas. They hold/had (if retired), good jobs, provide for their families, perhaps play a musical instrument, or follow a workout program. They employ the “Golden Rule” to a large extent. In short, you wouldn’t mind having them as neighbors. This only illustrates that people are unsaved because they reject Christ. Accepting Christ is not hard to understand. I would say it’s not even as demanding in a human effort sense as perhaps being an accomplished musician or an elite athlete. God has made it brilliant in its simplicity. He has designed the plan to entirely remove any human credit for coming to Him, but has left in all the blame on us for rejecting Him.

So, let the unsaved world go on in their false sense of normalcy. Many of those who do, have made their choice. As Jesus Followers, let’s continue in are “abnormal” sanctified behavior. Trying to grow in holiness more and more, and when we get the opportunity, share with those who want to hear: “why be normal?”