WHAT DOES RADICAL COMMITMENT MEAN?

“For many of us, the great danger is not that we will renounce our faith. It is that we will become so distracted, rushed, and preoccupied that we will settle for a mediocre version of it. We will just skim our lives instead of actually living them.” – John Ortberg.

When Christ called us, He called us to live a radical life. Our allegiance to Him is something that should affect every area of our lives. Following Jesus is not just sitting in church on Sunday. It is a radical commitment. There is no such thing as a passive, purposeless lifestyle among those who embrace Jesus.

We are pretty ordinary people, but the gospel ministry belongs to ordinary people doing ordinary things with radical devotion to Christ. It is not only the task of paid professionals, but also the task of the body of Christ, to engage in the mission. Well, what does that look like in practical terms? How can each of us play this role? It is not that complicated. It begins with a radical commitment to Jesus: to be with Jesus, become like Him, and do as He did. A radical commitment that we don’t get to follow Jesus, but a privilege that we get to follow Him.

Dwight L. Moody, an American evangelist who founded the Moody Church, Moody Bible Institute, and Moody Publishers, said, “If this world is going to be reached, I am convinced that men and women of average talent must do it.”  Jesus picked ordinary men as His disciples. Ordinary men. Fishermen, tax collectors, etc.. God turned their weaknesses into strengths and used them to change the world. The disciples were deeply committed to following Jesus, as evidenced by their actions and the teachings recorded in the Bible. This commitment included dedicating themselves to His teachings, fellowship, prayer, and sharing meals. Their radical commitment led to persecution and even martyrdom for their faith.

Have you ever wondered what would happen if Christians lived a life radically committed to Jesus? When a person does something Christ-like or glorifying to God, it is regarded as special, as if something extraordinary. However, if the church were radically committed to being with Jesus, becoming like Him, and doing as He did, it would be commonplace.

When we obey God and live ordinary radical lives, we can turn the world upside down. But obedience can cost us. Jesus told us that we must deny ourselves and take up our cross daily if we are to follow Him (Luke 9:23). He laid down His own life for the sake of someone else—and there is nothing more radical—so we are called to do the same.

If we call ourselves Christians, we must be willing to let God use every aspect of our ordinary lives in radical ways.

Discussion Questions:

1. What are initial thoughts when hearing the phrase “radical commitment to Jesus?” How does this challenge or confirm your understanding of discipleship?
2. How does Jesus’ teaching in passages like Luke 14:26-27 about the cost of following Him shape the understanding of “radical commitment?” What do these passages suggest about the level of devotion Jesus expects?