"Ab-normal" = Vibrant Christianity
Forty one year old Abdul Rahman barely escaped being killed in Kabul, Afghanistan. His crime? He converted from Islam to Christianity (16 years ago).
The reason they are going to let him off? Authorities thing he is insane. They are going to have him evaluated.
Authorities in Afghanistant want to "find out if he is normal or not." (San Diego Union Tribune, Mon.,March 27, 2006, p. A12) I could save them a lot of time. They are going to find out that he is NOT normal. How do I know? Because he is a Christian. And Christians are not made to be "normal." We are inherently "abnormal."
Just think how we began - so long ago - on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2). We were so rowdy then, people thought we were drunk. Almost arrested! For being drunk and disorderly! What a way to begin - as the church.
Bluntly put, Christians - that is TRUE Christians - have more fun, are rowdier, laugh louder and laugh more often. We live and love life. Why? Because Someone said He would bring us Abundant Life. And we believed Him. So He did.
We quickly discerned the difference between happiness and joy. We can't always be "happy." But we can always have joy. Now that is not "normal." And we could list dozens of other examples of our "ab-normality."
Abdul Rohman has been following Jesus for 16 years. So I assure you he is not "normal." Nor are any of my acquaintances in this country who call Jesus their Lord.
"Normal" is boring. "Normal" is of this world. "Normal" is S-E-L-F centered. "Normal" is walking in truckloads of crummy, self destructive habits (often referred to as "sin") that really messes life up - royally! Admittedly "normal" living is oftentimes easier than "abnormal" living - but who, in their right mind, wants it?
I don't want to be "normal." And I try my best to help others not be "normal." "Normal!" What a pathetic way to live!
So, give me "ab-normal." That is what I like! "Ab-normal" is being like Jesus. At least trying to be like Jesus. Help us all to be "ab-normal."
Abdul - way to go! You are one of us - you "ab-normal" dude, you!
The reason they are going to let him off? Authorities thing he is insane. They are going to have him evaluated.
Authorities in Afghanistant want to "find out if he is normal or not." (San Diego Union Tribune, Mon.,March 27, 2006, p. A12) I could save them a lot of time. They are going to find out that he is NOT normal. How do I know? Because he is a Christian. And Christians are not made to be "normal." We are inherently "abnormal."
Just think how we began - so long ago - on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2). We were so rowdy then, people thought we were drunk. Almost arrested! For being drunk and disorderly! What a way to begin - as the church.
Bluntly put, Christians - that is TRUE Christians - have more fun, are rowdier, laugh louder and laugh more often. We live and love life. Why? Because Someone said He would bring us Abundant Life. And we believed Him. So He did.
We quickly discerned the difference between happiness and joy. We can't always be "happy." But we can always have joy. Now that is not "normal." And we could list dozens of other examples of our "ab-normality."
Abdul Rohman has been following Jesus for 16 years. So I assure you he is not "normal." Nor are any of my acquaintances in this country who call Jesus their Lord.
"Normal" is boring. "Normal" is of this world. "Normal" is S-E-L-F centered. "Normal" is walking in truckloads of crummy, self destructive habits (often referred to as "sin") that really messes life up - royally! Admittedly "normal" living is oftentimes easier than "abnormal" living - but who, in their right mind, wants it?
I don't want to be "normal." And I try my best to help others not be "normal." "Normal!" What a pathetic way to live!
So, give me "ab-normal." That is what I like! "Ab-normal" is being like Jesus. At least trying to be like Jesus. Help us all to be "ab-normal."
Abdul - way to go! You are one of us - you "ab-normal" dude, you!
posted by jimgarlow at
11:14 PM
