Not Unusual - but Un-Usual!

un·u·su·al/Adj

1. Not habitually or commonly occurring or done.

2. Remarkable or interesting because different from or better than others: "a man of unusual talent".

Christianity can be considered un-usual. (I'm sure we’ve all met some ‘unusual’ Christians in our time but this is not what I’m advocating!) The wisdom of God, or the ways of God can seem un-usual against the backdrop of the world’s deeds and creeds. In the economy of God, things seem back to front or upside down - get is give; up is down; high is low; great is serve; revenge is forgive; wide is narrow and find is lose. The Bible makes a clear distinction between worldly wisdom and the wisdom of God. 

 “Don't fool yourself. Don't think that you can be wise merely by being up-to-date with the times. Be God's fool—that's the path to true wisdom. What the world calls smart, God calls stupid.” It's written in Scripture, He exposes the chicanery of the chic. The Master sees through the smoke screens of the know-it-alls.”  1 Corinthians 3:18-19, The Message

Unconvinced Christians are likely to be uncomfortable with being un-usual and living un-usually. Often intimidated or tempted by what’s usual, they sadly compromise, becoming compliant, conforming to the deeds and creeds of the world. The blessed man in Psalm 1, walked not in the counsel of the ungodly and prospered in whatever he did. Christians who courageously live by Godly convictions and according to Godly counsel, boldly establish lives that challenge and confound the brand of usual - building un-usual marriages, un-usual families, un-usual businesses and careers and so on and so forth.

“Don’t copy the behaviour and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”  Romans 12:2 [MSG]

Jesus unashamedly challenged the cultural conventions and religious orthodoxy of the day. Proposing that we turn the other cheek instead of retaliating, exceed requirement and move beyond obligation by going the second mile and love our enemies and pray for those who go out of their way to hurt us! This is a remarkably generous and gracious way to live out your life! Take courage and differentiate yourself from the world by making a choice to be un-usual - not unusual but un-usual! 

Other scripture references: Isaiah 55:8-9, Matthew 5:38-48, 7:24-27, [MSG]