Jesus' words are countercultural.

I see many students that I work with desire to be countercultural in so many ways. The way that they dress...The way that they talk....who they hang out with, what movies they watch, what they decide is "cool." It's all to be countercultural...To have their own identity. And then as I look through scripture, I realize that Jesus is incredibly countercultural. He is as countercultural as they come. He says things that irritate everyone. He ruffles the feathers of all invovled. Why does he do it? He does it for the sake of his good news. He does it so that people might understand that they can be in relationships with the God of the universe through him and that there is power in his blood.

Matthew 5-7 is one section of scripture that I struggle with, maybe the most. I struggle with it, because as Christ followers, we are supposed to follow everything that he said and walk right in step with him. And yet, as I read through this section of scripture...I realize that we don't. My life would look radically different...so countercultural...if I were to live out the teachings of Jesus in Matthew 5-7. The funny thing is, I don't.

What if we were to follow Jesus teaching? Would we have questions anymore about how to be an "American" Christian...Or would Christianity be something that is looked at with disdain until the Holy Spirit worked in those hearts.

i want to be countercultural. Sell everything and give to the poor? Wow.

Father, let me learn your commands. Let me study your laws deeply. And let me not rationalize what you say.

Amen.