I love spring; the birds are singing, the sky is blue and snow covers the ground. I thought it was April showers not snow. Oh well, spring is coming, probably just as fast as Easter has passed. It seems like a long time ago but we started a journey to become radical Christians over the 40-day period of Lent. For 47 days including Sundays and Easter we looked at becoming unshakable, unwavering and unafraid. We looked at becoming uncomfortable, undignified and unashamed before an indescribable God. We talked about becoming undeterred (not discouraged) and resolute (firmly resolved or determined in what we believe) because we want to be unmovable before God. So now that we are finished; how radical are you? Does any of this apply to you? Have you changed any? Has there been any transformation or are you still the same.
Today I want you to give yourselves a grade. I don’t need to know this grade as this is with you and God. Also, you are to use scripture as a measuring stick not other people. Peter said in John 21:21 “Lord, what about him?” Paul says in 2 Corinthians 10:12,18 “We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise. 18 For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.” When we use our own measuring sticks we will not be able to grade ourselves on the radical scale.
This is how it works. There are three levels. The first is cold and then luke-warm and then hot which represents wholeheartedly serving God. You have to use scripture because if you compare yourself to a whole church or individuals in the church and you say we are good because we are all the same, you may find yourself in trouble if you attend the church of Laodicea (Revelation 3:14-22). Scripture is what we are to compare ourselves to.
So ask yourself a few questions like; How is my devotional life- prayer and scripture reading. Do I pray for revival? Am I calling on the Holy Spirit to clothe us with power? Am I seeking God with all my heart, soul and mind? Do I love God and others as myself? Do I expect God to do the immeasurable? Do I pray for those I know are not Christians? Do I look forward to attending church? Is it easy for me to miss? What is more important to me? Is church about my needs? Do I look for an opportunity to serve? Am I willing to grow further by attending study groups (men or women)? Is there a difference in my personality, attitudes behaviour through the week? Do others know I am a Christian by my actions? Do I share the gospel with those around me? Have my taste in music changed from secular to Christian, lyrically speaking? Am I using discernment in my TV, movie and Internet usage? How is my family life? Am I fulfilling my biblical role (dad, husband, mother, wife, children etc)?
Am I really willing to be a radical Christian? If not give yourself over to God. If you find yourself lukewarm or even cold, repentance is the first step. Revelation 3 “So be earnest and repent. 20 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.” If you are where you should be (remember the bible tells you that, not yourself) then stand firm. Remember God has the true report card. Don’t wait till Jesus returns to find out your grade.