Devotion: Obedience

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2 (NIV)

What does “radical” mean to you? Are your thoughts about the word positive or negative? My gut is usually to shy away from things that have the term “radical” attached to them. So imagine my reaction to the challenge of being “radically obedient” to God…

Lysa TerKeurst says radical obedience “is really biblical obedience – but we’ve strayed so far from biblical obedience that it now seems radical.” (from “What Happens When Women Say Yes to God”). I think you might be surprised at the following definition for radical:

1. of, relating to, or proceeding from a root 
2. of or relating to the origin: fundamental 
3. marked by a considerable departure from the usual or traditional: extreme (tending or disposed to make extreme changes in existing views, habits, conditions, or institutions)
   slang: excellent, cool

This definition did not match my perception of the word radical but it does clarify that radical obedience = biblical obedience. The bible takes us straight to God and He is the root/origin - “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1). The bible is our fundamental guide for life on this earth, where we have become so caught up and falsely swayed by our definition of usual or traditional. No matter how much we change and redefine the world we live in, if it does not match God’s definition, we are not being obedient.

I have let a definition for a simple word (radical) evolve and conform to my own thoughts and perception. To clarify and get the true definition of that word, I went to the dictionary. How much of life have I let evolve and conform to my own thoughts and perceptions? I am going to my bible to look and find out. I know God’s definitions and mine will differ in many areas because what used to be God’s fundamental has become today’s radical. Today’s “normal” has been marked by a considerable departure from the usual or traditional because we have allowed our definitions to change by not sticking to the definitions God gave us in the bible.

I’m surrendering to the challenge of radical obedience to God. I want to be radical and make “a considerable departure from the usual or traditional” of this world and be “of and relating to my origin”, my God. As God works in me, I hope the perception of radical also becomes that of the slangs - excellent and cool. I’m stepping out of my comfort zone into God’s because eternal perspective tells me it’s a whole lot more delightful than anything I can imagine! 

Written by Jennifer Potter
Jennifer, mother of three, wife of one, rises to the challenges of life surrounded by all males. Being head of CrossPoint Children’s Ministry is rewarding to Jen, although she would be the first to admit there are always hurdles to overcome. I am amazed I have been added to the CrossPoint devotions team since I would rather shop for office supplies then sit down and write. Life is good, and I am learning to roll with God’s sense of humor.