Christian Extremist

1 John 2:2 says, "He [Jesus] is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world."

It seems that every time some other religion commits an act of atrocity, Christianity is thrown under the bus along with that religion.

It is frustrating, to say the least, and I do not really understand why it happens. Well, yea, I do, but that’s a political post I want to stay away from.

To be fair, Christianity throughout history has not always been so nice in dealing with people and following Jesus’ example.

From the wars fought in the name of God, to our own hypocrisies, Christianity deserves some of the stones hurled at us.

But often our “extremists” are mentioned along with the extremist of the religion that has done the horrible thing, and they mention Timothy McVeigh or the KKK as well as other perceived “Christian” extremists from the past.

However, I think those critics are getting it all wrong. I believe that an extremist takes the words and actions of its leader and puts them 100% in action.

So what does Jesus say and what would a Christian extremist look like?

We should be humble.

Philippians 2:5-8 describes the extent of Jesus' humility: "Our attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death - even death on a cross!"

We should serve.

Matthew 20:28 says, "…The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

We should glorify God.

1 Corinthians 10:31 says, "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."

We should pray.

Mark 1:35 says, "Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed."

And we should sacrifice.

Romans 12:1 says, "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-this is your spiritual act of worship.”

I am not the greatest Biblical scholar there is, but I would bet it impossible to find Jesus saying or doing anything like blowing anything up or terrorizing a group of people based on anything.

A Christian extremist is not a person who spreads violence or hate, it is someone we should aspire to be.

A Christian extremist gives up everything including and ultimately his life for the glory of God, not by violence done by him, but possibly violence done to him.