Continued from last week’s blog post
The world teaches us how to be masters, but Jesus teaches us how to be servants. The world teaches us to satisfy our flesh, but Jesus teaches us there is a better way. The world softens the Gospel, but Jesus tells it like it is.
Jesus tells us the peacemakers and the poor are blessed. He tells us we are the salt of the earth and the light of the world. He tells us if we are even angry with a brother or sister, we will be subject to judgment. He tells us to love our enemies. He tells us to turn the other cheek and walk the extra mile and practice radical forgiveness.
Jesus’s teaching is crazy, and when we actually live out his words, our lifestyles are going to look awkward to people around us. We’re going to seem pretty strange.
Jesus himself told his disciples, “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you” (John 15:18-19).
The world’s not going to love our way of living. That’s a fact. We’re called to be peacemakers who don’t worry about building up treasures on earth, and give to the needy in secret. This isn’t the lifestyle our culture worships and commends.
As a result, a lot of people see Christians (“little Christs”) as awkward.
Just think of all the TV shows out there that feature an awkward character who constantly quotes scripture and sings praise songs at inappropriate times. Christianity has become a mockery in Hollywood.
So all this to say, I think it’s okay to be awkward. I think we should embrace our awkwardness, as individuals and as followers of Jesus Christ.
Maybe one day I’ll even come to appreciate my unique blushing problem.
At the same time, I don’t think it’s okay to let our awkwardness keep us from living our best lives. Awkwardness should never be an excuse. I don’t get to lock myself in my house because I’m awkward. I’m still called to go out into the world and love. I’m still called into new relationships.
Part of life is being uncomfortable. If you’re never uncomfortable, you’re never going to grow.
So embrace your awkward, but don’t be afraid to leave the comforts of your personality. Know you’re different, but constantly move forward, even in all your awkwardness.
For the record, I think you’re great just the way you are. Because you, my friend, are onederfully created.
Love,
Becca
