Radicalled yet?

Was looking through some blogs, viewing the different posts from different ones about IGNYTE camp. Though each one different, each post carried the same tag line: Rad(I)cal was life-changing. Rad(I)cal has just passed. And the last few days I have been recollecting what I can take away from the camp. Sure, the games were fun, the sermons were great, the bonding was awesome, but above all, what does God want us to take away from Rad(I)cal?

"Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil." (Hebrews 5:13-14)

What does being radical mean? Living a radical lifestyle means to know your purpose in living and living for that one purpose. It speaks of complete devotion to that ONE cause and doing everything it takes to see the cause prosper. For us, it is the cause of Christ. In a world of divided loyalties, our devotion to the ONE cause of Christ is being tested every day.

BUT just as Hebrews5:13-14 states, those who trade solid food for milk is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. Solid food, when consumed, requires one to chew and break it down. It requires work, training and time. But milk, on the other hand, simply needs to be swallowed. It is easier to consume compared to solid food. Just as in our spiritual life, many times we'd rather trade our trials and sufferings for something easier. Many of us today only accept the blessings from God, but refuse the service to God. We only want the 'easy' part of Christianity. Come On! It's time for us to stand for all we believe in. If you know that your God is mighty to save, then why are you afraid to accept the 'solid' trials and sufferings, of which you know you will emerge stronger, because the joy of the Lord is your strength?

Recently at a cell-based Christmas Party, I SALTed an 'Anti-Christ'. As I was SALTing the person, it came to my knowledge that his 'Christian' friends wanted me to stop. They were afraid that because both of us are quite strong headed, they were afraid that quarrels might ensue. Come on! If your friend is skeptical about Christ, all the more you should SALT him! The enemy has taken a foothold in your friend's life, and you, in your fear of the unexpected, refuse to SALT to him, what does this tell God about you? Would you rather trade the solid food for milk? It's time to war! It's time to accept more than just the 'easy' part. SALT even the hardcore people!

Friends, like it or not, we have been called into spiritual warfare. Sure, it isn't going to be easy, and there is only 1 way you can fight this war. Fight as a strong soldier with your allegiance for God clear, or you will be destroyed when the war is fought.

"It was he who gave...until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming." (Ephesians 4:11-14)

Friends, radical living requires us to be mature. No more 'infant' behaviour. No more being afraid of anything else besides God alone. Sure, childlike faith is to be applauded, but childlike thinking and behaviour is to be admonished. We cannot be infants anymore. When our allegiance with God becomes clear, we will no longer be like infants, tossed around by what the world throws at us. Instead, we will stand firm on the rock of Christ. Friends, it's time to grow up. IT'S TIME TO ARISE FROM OUR SLUMBER. To live radical lives involves being mature in our speech, life, love, faith and purity. To be mature involves learning how to walk in obedience to God. It is making the choice to live by God's viewpoint rather than your human viewpoint. Galatians 5:16 and 25 give the key, "So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature…Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit." The word "walk" in verse 16 is from the Greek word peripateo, which means "to walk with a purpose in view." The word "walk" in verse 25 is translated from another Greek word stoicheo and it means "step by step, one step at a time." It is learning to walk under the instruction of another. That person is the Holy Spirit. And since we are indwelt by the Spirit, we must learn to walk under His control.

Radical living involves moving out of our comfort zone, and while being clear of our purpose and allegiance with God, going all out. In camp we talked about taking our nation for Jesus. And the time has come. Rad(I)cal camp has ended, radical living starts now. As a believer, you are not to be milk-fed. Instead, you are called to chew on the "meat" of God's Word. Friends, THE TIME HAS COME.

"And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light." (Romans 13:11-12)

The Time Has Come.wma - Hillsong

Found love beyond all reason
You gave Your life Your all for me
And called me Yours forever
Caught in the mercy fallout
Found hope
Found life
Found all I need
You're all I need

The time has come
To stand for all we believe in
So I for one am gonna
Give my praise to You

Today today it's all or nothing
All the way
The praise goes out to You
Yeah all the praise goes out to You
Today today I live for one thing
To give You praise
In everything I do
Yeah all the praise goes out to You

All we are is Yours
And all we're living for
Is all You are
Is all that You are Lord