The advertisement invited me to attend a weekend of Extreme Games at the Stadium. No ordinary athletic Event, one could expect to see well-conditioned athletes pushing themselves to the limits of strength and endurance. A few people are extremely dedicated to doing something to the maximum ability that their body can accomplish.
When Jesus started preaching and inviting people to follow Him and even unto today, he is inviting us to join Him in His Extreme Games. In Luke 9:23-24 (NIV) He said "if anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it." Now that's extreme! Take up a cross? Daily? Doesn't He know I have to work? Doesn't He know I have a family to support? Doesn't He know I have to drive the kids to soccer practice?
Yes, Jesus invites us to a lifestyle of "extreme godliness." Mind you, being a Christian is not a "harmless" diversion to spend some quality time with some good people. This "extreme" can cost you your life as evidenced by the news reports coming in from around the world of the murder and torture of Christians.
The general application of the teachings of Jesus from day-to-day are mind-boggling. "Greater love has no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:13 NIV) Extreme showing of love!
Christianity was never intended to be lived out in the quietness of contemplation or in the vigorous intellectual exchange of your weekly Bible study class, divorced from the real world. "Extreme" followship of Jesus is a daily exhibition.
"Forgive us Jesus if our extreme love for you is shown only by our wearing a cross around the neck. Help us to
put you first all the time, regardless of what that might cost us. May we love you "extremely"! Amen"
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