The Normal Christian Life
I realize that the title I’ve chosen for this post is also the name of a book by Watchman Nee. However, I can’t think of a better title for what I wish to convey in this post. From my observations, it seems that most Christians have accepted a life style that is far beneath what Christ had in mind when He said in John 10 “I have come that you might have life and have it more abundantly.” In light of His declaration, I’ve had to re-evaluate my own life. I’m not living with the expectation of God’s abundance being demonstrated through me. That doesn’t mean that I should live an opulent, showy life style, but it does mean that my life should be so “out of the ordinary” that people take notice. I believe that when we Christians live beneath our privilege, we do the cause of Christ great harm.
I believe it was Vance Havener who said, “We’ve lived sub normal lives for so long that if we become normal, people will think that we are abnormal.”
My “resolution” for the new year is to live the abundant Christian life that will point people toward my Savior. Won’t you join me?
Bill Cole is originally from Alabama, grad of Samford University in Birmingham, and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He has served churches in AL, LA, CA, and FL in various positions. He experienced the beginning of Jesus movement in the ’60’s and have done short term missions in South Africa, Russia, and Barbados. He Retired in 2023 from a 12-year pastorate in Lake Placid, FL. He is currently living with his wife in Sebring Florida. https://www.linkedin.com/in/bcole39/
Image by DEEPAI
Yes, the normal Christian life is a spiritual one that demonstrates the healing power of Christ and involves living in accordance with divine law. But truly speaking, this normal Christian life is not normal. Jesus says he came not to bring peace, but a sword, in Matthew 10:34, explaining that his presence would cause division, even within families, as people choose between following him and their earthly loyalties.
Your friend – His servant,
Isaac Otieno