Living Unreasonably

Sometimes we get stuck in our deception of what we consider to be reasonable behavior.

We get mad at the person who cuts us off in traffic - because it’s a reasonable and even manageable behavior.  One would EXPECT to get angry and even retaliate against the offender.
We get irritated at our spouse for not fulfilling an expectation or for not serving us in a way we feel entitled to - because it’s a reasonable behavior.
I would even go as far to say that we, in church, have incorporated so much “worldliness” into our worship services in an effort to cater to the masses and be more “palatable” to those far from Him - because it’s a reasonable behavior.
We’ve stopped praying for impossibilities and ask God only for the things we deem as “safe” - because it’s a reasonable behavior.

But as believers in the living God, when did irrational behavior become the acceptable?  Reasonable?  Justifiable?  When did it become the norm?

Jesus wasn’t reasonable.

Offering a cheek for further maltreatment after an already painful blow is not reasonable.
Presenting benevolence to the offender who’s sued you and already taken more than should be allowed is not reasonable.
Praying for those who continually hurt you and persecute you is not reasonable.
Forgiving when they’re not sorry is not reasonable.
Befriending the unloviest is not reasonable.

So when did following Jesus become reasonable?
Doesn’t He demand things that seem impossible?

We pray for the miracle because it’s become our lifestyle to believe in the God of miracles.
We forgive the offense of the transgressor because it’s become our lifestyle to live in complete indebtedness to the One who forgave us when we least deserved it.

Bitterness, as just one instance, has become the norm for society because it’s reasonable.
It makes sense.
I can explain away reasons I became bitter and to the one looking on it becomes sensible, plausible, and passively acceptable.

I think it’s why we have to be careful who we’re doing life with.
We need to be wise when we see patterns of partnership in other people.
One’s that will tell you, “I’d be mad too!”
Those who say, “You have every right to feel that way.”
Especially when it’s in full support of an illegitimate nature.
Choose to be with people who grow you spiritually.  Who have a genuine desire to see you living in fullness of your God-given potential.

I believe God is looking for a host of people who are willing to live differently for Him.  One’s who aren’t afraid to take risks.  One’s who live unreasonable lives always looking for impossibilities to contend for.

It’s time to stop playing it safe.
He didn’t play it safe for us.