A Roller-Coaster Ride

“Authentic Christianity is a roller-coaster ride not a merry-go-round.” (Mark Hart)

 How do you go about living the Christian life in such a way that God is seen through all your actions? How do you serve others in a strength that isn’t your own? With your Heavenly Father, such a deed is a definite possibility.

Regardless of whom you are or what you’ve done, Jesus adores you. The unconditional love that God has for us isn't easy for our human minds to comprehend. It's putting our own needs and pride behind us and doing what's best for someone else regardless of how we feel.

The benefits of loving others this way includes genuine connections, personal transformations and empowering others to step out of their comfort zones and make a difference. When we love like Christ does, this makes it possible for people to see and feel a genuine and intentional love for them.

We may never realize the impact we have on others. Are we doing enough? Our Heavenly Father always knows the real answer to that question. We must always be obedient to what God tells us to do. We can never care for His children too much.

Reach out to others with the unconditional love given to you by your Heavenly Father. Have a burning desire to become something that doesn’t come easily to you. If this your heart’s desire, Micah Tyler’s song “Different,” will ring a familiar tune deep inside you:

 [Verse 1]
I don't wanna hear anymore, teach me to listen
I don't wanna see anymore, give me a vision
That you could move this heart, to be set apart

[Verse 2]
I don't need to recognize, the man in the mirror
And I don't wanna trade Your plan, for something familiar
I can't waste a day, I can't stay the same

[Chorus 1]
I wanna be different
I wanna be changed
'Til all of me is gone
And all that remains
Is a fire so bright
The whole world can see
That there's something different
So come and be different
In me!

[Verse 3]
And I don't wanna spend my life, stuck in a pattern
And I don't wanna gain this world but lose what matters
And so I'm giving up, everything because...

[Chorus 2]
I wanna be different
I wanna be changed
'Til all of me is gone
And all that remains
Is a fire so bright
The whole world can see
That there's something different
So come and be different, ooh

[Bridge]
I know that I am far from perfect
But through You the cross still says I'm worth it
So take this beating in my heart and
Come and finish what You started
When they see me, let them see You
'Cause I just wanna be different, ye-ey

[Chorus 3]
I wanna be different
I wanna be changed
'Til all of me is gone
And all that remains
Ooh is a fire so bright
The whole world can see
That there's something different
So come and be different
I just wanna be different
So could You be different
In me!

To become different like Jesus was, you need to love like He did. Here are five ways to do that:

1. Forgiveness: Forgiveness is a choice and not a feeling. It takes time and prayer. One of the hardest people to forgive is yourself. When the wrongs we do can't be justified in our minds; our hearts hold us accountable. But Jesus has already forgiven us after we ask. If He forgives us for every sin; we need to forgive ourselves.

 2. Sacrifice:  Putting our own needs aside to focus on other people's desires. This can be as simple as allowing someone to go ahead of us in line, choosing not to argue with someone's opinion, or spending time helping someone in need. Sacrifice requires a positive attitude, and an obedient heart.

 3. Pray: Praying for people is an act of unconditional love especially when we pray for our enemies. This allows us to lift others up to God in a positive manner. Ask God to bless people and work in their hearts and lives according to His plan and purposes. 

 4.  Witness: Christianity isn't a secret club. We were never told to keep God a secret; but to go and tell the world about Jesus. It's not always in the perfect place, time or at our convenience. We won't always feel comfortable or accepted; but it's about sharing the message and hope of Jesus Christ for the purpose of reaching souls for the Kingdom of God.

 5. Humility: Living with a humble opinion of ourselves takes us off our own minds, and from holding a first place position. Humility teaches us that God created us for His purposes and not our own. We become peacemakers, recognizing every person has a purpose and needs to be treated with dignity and respect. Being humble requires saying no to sinful behavior or responses that want to over-ride our "Christ-like" attitude.

  “Audacious faith is the raw material that authentic Christianity is made of. It's the stuff that triggers ordinarily level-headed people like you and me to start living with unusual boldness.” (Steven Furtick) [i]

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[i] Sources used:

·        “5 Ways to Love like Jesus” by Brook Lynn

·        “How Do I Live the Authentic Christian Life?” by John Piper