I've been called many things... and most of them usually center on "weird" or "odd." The only times I've ever been called "cool" have been by un-cool little kids who think that it's cool when grown-ups act silly in front of large groups of people.
I don't mind being weird. God's people are "set-apart;" as a Christ-follower, I am called to be peculiar in the world. What does that look like? I'm still figuring that out. I began experimenting with non-conformity in the sixth grade. Inspired by one of my favorite characters for tween girls, I decided to intentionally wear really absurd outfits to school. One such outfit included purple leggings, a red thermal-knit shirt, bib-overall shorts, and a brightly colored scarf depicting a giant parrot. A lot of people comment on my clothing. Most told me it was ugly or that it didn't go together. I simply replied, "You only think that" or something equally scathing and disarming
I have since given up being strange for its own sake. But I still desire to be peculiar for Jesus. In the early days of the church, believers formed little enclaves of strange-ness. They lived their lives in stark contrast to the world around them. People quit their jobs as soldiers and guards when they accept the gospel of Christ. People sold everything they owned. This was very odd in the militaristic, materialistic Roman Empire.
Then something happened. Rome adopted Christianity. It became "mainstream" to be a Christian, and the little peculiarities disappeared (except in places like monasteries, abbeys, and convents). The gospel lost some of its power because it wasn't preached in a way that offered something different from the world. Christians were in the military. Believers were carrying swords, accumulating wealth, and living individualistic lives.
The peculiarity of living a Christ-like life exists in little pockets of an otherwise imperialistic Christianity. And I've found that this strange way of life can make some other Christians uncomfortable. In american Christianity's attempt to be relelvent, it too has abandoned its call to be peculiar. Too many churches offer the same thing as the world, just in a different "Jesus wrapper." Churches support war and tell you how to build your best life now, instead of announcing that Jesus calls us out of empire into a unique relationship with those around us. Somehow, we've decided that ballot measures and praise bands are more important that genuine interactions with hurting people in need of something different than the world can offer.
What can we do to reclaim the peculiarity of following Christ and living in contrast to the empire?
Comments (3)
i'm not altogether against peculiarity for it's own sake - i figure...sometimes you just have to get folks attention before you can have a dialogue w/ them
I love the way you think!! We are most definately a peculiar people with a very peculiar God. :) I don't know why in the world so many followers even "attempt" to fit in with mainstream society. Crazy. We're only fooling ourselves...and making a complete mockery of Jesus....of love and grace....the way of the cross.
I'd personally love to see more "strange" God inspired living going on in this country. We need lots more enemy-loving, sword- loathing, wealth-sharing, empire-crumbling, love-giving, upside-down-kingdom living going on.
And a whole lot less of all that other nonsense. ;)
Peace,
Jamie
@pamilvr - I see what you mean... but I guess I think that truly seeking out living our lives for Jesus is enough peculiarity to pique the curiosity of non-believers.