Radical Obedience

One who does good works—this person will be blessed in what he does. (James 1:25)

While flipping through the channels one evening, I came across a documentary about sexual violence against women in the Congo. As I watched the show, I was moved by the brave female filmmaker who traveled through war zones to give a voice to the victims. A survivor of gang rape herself, the filmmaker created environments that gave whole villages of women a forum to tell their stories and a chance to begin to heal. If just being in such a volatile country wasn’t dangerous enough, this woman even went to remote areas to meet with the Congolese soldiers responsible for such violence. She had a passion to let the world know what was happening so that more might intervene for these women.

I was challenged deeply by her fervor. This woman was willing to risk her life in a way that I, a recipient of true redemption and healing in Christ, couldn’t imagine. Convicted, I began to pray that I would have even half of her zeal in living differently, in showing radical compassion for others, and in service to God. Knowing that fear and apathy hindered me, I asked God to help me conquer those two things. As He began to work in my heart, I realized He wasn’t sending me to Africa, but every day in many ways, I could choose to live radically for Him by being faithfully obedient.

Ultimately, being radical for God is the result of surrender and obedience to Him. Instead of ignoring the Spirit’s promptings, the Bible says, “Don’t stifle the Spirit” (1 Thess. 5:19). Each time you say yes to the Lord, and see how God blesses you for it, you will be encouraged to be bolder. How is the Spirit prompting you today? Will you obey?

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