How Jesus Has Equipped You to Live a Radical Life

Modern Christians are, let’s say, comfortable. We like our comfort zones, our religious routines and our focus on “doing right.”

But what if God is calling us to something more meaningful and challenging, like living a life of service, sacrifice, and forgiveness in a way that transforms the world?

Jesus was a radical. We don’t often think of Him that way. Modern society portrays Him as respectable and polite. But Jesus not only touched lepers, but He also drove corrupted merchants out of the temple with a whip made of cords. He also expressed radical ideas like, “Love your enemies” (Matt. 5:43) and denying yourself, taking up your cross, and following Him (Matt. 16:24).

I talked with author, evangelist, and founder of Dare 2 Share Ministries Greg Stier about living a radical life for Jesus on Focus on the Family with Jim Daly. He says the Gospel is as revolutionary today as it was in the first century. If we’re serious about loving and following Jesus, He will lead us out of our comfort zone, upend our priorities, and challenge us to think and live in uncommon ways.

He says to learn like Jesus we must:

Be intentional. Luke 2 recounts how Jesus’ family went every year to Jerusalem for the Passover festival. This was their “as usual” custom. Studying God’s Word was part of Jesus’ daily routine. We should engage in reflective, prayerful Bible study and meditation.
Be curious. Jesus asked questions and wrestled with theological insights far beyond His young years. In the same way, we can ask God hard questions and seek godly understanding from the Bible and from older, wiser Christians.
Be passionate. Jesus spent three days and nights in the temple without His family as a 12-year-old. Jesus was consumed with knowing God deeper and growing closer in their relationship. We can be equally passionate about finding a time and place to be in our “Father’s house” like Jesus was.

Hear my full conversation with Greg Stier about living a radical life as a follower of Jesus on your local radio station, online, on Apple Podcasts, or on our free phone app.

Greg’s book Radical Like Jesus: 21 Challenges to Live a Revolutionary Life is available for a gift of any amount. Give us a call at 1-800-A-FAMILY (232-6459). Click here for more information.

You may also be interested in a free online booklet we’ve written called, “Coming Home: An Invitation to Join God’s Family,” which explains what it means to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.