2 Corinthians 5:14-15
For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.
The Presiding Bishop of the Church Of God In Christ, Bishop Charles E. Blake, Sr., shared the 2015 theme for our denomination. In my recent trip to a national meeting, he reminded us of that theme and I thought I would speak to this as a pastor from my desk. The theme, “Christ’s Extreme Sacrifice Calls for our Extreme Commitment” is not only relevant, but I believe timely for the body of Christ today. As I evaluate the condition of the world, and as I review the current condition of our local assembly, I am inclined to agree with Bishop Blake. Our current situation calls for some extreme measures. Business as usual is not going to get the job done.
Let’s look at the word extreme:
- of a character or kind farthest removed from the ordinary or average; utmost or exceedingly great in degree; farthest from the center or middle; outermost; endmost; farthest, utmost, or very far in any direction; exceeding the bounds of moderation:
- Synonyms: excessive, intense, great
There are antonyms or opposites of the word extreme:
- moderate; laid back; hesitant; conservative; insignificant
Things that are extreme grab your attention; it can make you uncomfortable. For example:
- An extremely expensive automobile, or an extremely clean car
- An extremely ragged car
- An extremely violent act – like shooting an unarmed man in the back
- Extreme poverty – like a child with swollen belly, fly infested sores and injuries
- Extreme hatred – such as law enforcement ‘sicking’ dogs and water hoses on protesters
- A well behaved child who responds with “yes sir” or “no ma’am”
- A child that has a tantrum in the checkout aisle
I dare say that we are at the point in society where only extreme things get our attention. While driving around the mall parking lot last week, I noticed a man who had stopped his vehicle, pulled out a mat and spread it out on the ground to pray. We, on the other hand seem to have difficulty making week day prayer services. Many of our churches have eliminated Sunday evening service and have reduced weeknight services to only one. Many cannot recall the last time they attended consecutive services because there are always demands on our time.
Yet, like many of you I witnessed on September 11, 2001, nineteen young men, who in the name of their god, committed an extreme act of terrorism. The results of their actions literally changed the lives of the entire world.
The scriptures record the account of the prophet Elisha and King Jehoash (II Kings 13). The king had been plagued by Syria and he sought the prophet for council. The prophet first instructed the king to shoot an arrow. He then told the king to strike the ground. The king hit the ground three times and stopped. The prophet responded in anger and informed the king because of his lack of persistence, he would only defeat his enemies three times. Had he continued to strike the ground, he would have continued success over the Syrians. Where the king should have displayed extreme intensity, he showed restraint. Consider our God.
After the fall of man in the Garden of Eden, the Lord embarked upon an extreme plan to win back mankind – it was extreme. In the fullness of time God sent His only Son to redeem mankind. Jesus left the glory and splendor of heaven only to be born in a barn and laid in a manger – that was extreme! Jesus, who was God in the flesh, allowed himself to be arrested, beaten, scourged, spat upon, thrusted with a crown of thrones on his head, nailed to a cross and pierced in his side – that was extreme! Yet, He knew the condition of mankind required that He take extreme measures.
My brothers and sisters, we are in a state today that requires extreme action. Our marriages, our homes, our families, our communities, our health, our children, our houses of worship, our way of life, our government, our finances and the world as we know it is under attack. If we are to impact the world and turn this situation around, it is going to require an extreme commitment on our part. It’s going to require extreme prayer, extreme fasting, extreme service, extreme worship, extreme dedication, yes – an extreme commitment! I encourage you to join me and our Presiding Bishop in making an extreme commitment to our God!
I bless you in the name of the Lord.