August 27, 2014
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I AM NOT NORMAL
One of the young folks at church Sunday was wearing a T shirt that said, “I’M NOT NORMAL.” I can relate. There are so many times and situations when I feel the same way. What IS normal, anyway? It is defined as: “conforming to a standard; usual, typical, or expected. the usual, average, or typical state or condition.”
If the condition I am to be compared to is the world, than I am quite sure I am not normal. I am quite sure I do not WANT to be normal. The world's standards are not the ones I wish to conform to. The only standard I want to conform to is that of the Lord Jesus.
It seems OK for many these days to complain a lot. I have not found that to be very helpful. I try to be positive and count my blessings. So, another strike against me for “normalcy!” It seems normal these days to use a lot of bad language – especially the “F” word. I do not do that. I consider it to be rude, un-Christlike and vulgar. It seems that many people struggle with fear. They worry constantly about the job, the kids, finances, neighbors, appearance, health, the future, you name it. Nothing constructive or useful comes from worrying. I used to be really good at it, but it wasn’t worth it, so I try to avoid it and trust God instead. WOW! I keep sounding more and more weird, don’t I?
Perhaps the biggest reason I am not normal is because I passionately, sincerely want what Jesus wants. I do. Oh sure, I have my moments of wishing this or that could be different, but my highest desire is that my life would be glorifying to God, and that His will should be done in my life and the world. I am convinced that knowing Jesus is the cure for the ills of mankind. Loving Him is my purpose. Sharing Him with others is my delight. I pray for God’s Kingdom to come, and for His will to be done.
Because of this, when others hurt me, I forgive. I choose not to be offended. I choose not to get even. I choose to live simply. I do not need possessions to make me happy. I appreciate what I have, of course, and God is good to supply all my needs and also to spoil me with His goodness! That’s good enough for me.
I value peace. I value joy. I value God’s goodness and wisdom in my life more than anything money could buy. I know I am not perfect, but I want to be as close to Him as I can.
So, it is OK if I am not normal, as the world sees normal. Are you with me?
(1Peter 2:9 NLT) “ ...You are royal priests, a holy nation, God's very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for He called you out of the darkness into His wonderful light.
Comments (6)
I read you post on this morning and i FEEL reassured. I agree with what you write .
Loeve
Michel
WOW! I just read this after posting for today - we must be on the same wavelength!! Great post.
awww huh! that is deep and I'm thinking about it. thanks for the thoughts
Watchman Nee wrote a book The Normal Christian Life. I loved it long ago when starting out.
If you follow Christ you will not be normal. Christ was not normal and He was killed in part because of it. They hated his kind of normal.
I hear more Christians are being killed today than ever. We have a cake walk in the USA compared to most. My suspicion is that if all followed your example here there would be more direct persecution.
Us vs Them....really we want everyone to get along....
Normal vs weird ....really those "labels" are just that, being social means that you try to make a society. Jesus wants a society of believers....
I agree, great post. We are all different with different things that annoy or bother us. I'm glad God made us all different otherwise it would be very boring!