Continuing on with our “weird” series on Wednesday nights we thought it might be appropriate to suggest some ways we can make this Thanksgiving new and fresh and maybe a little “weird.” Perhaps the most bizarre person to ever exist was Jesus. He was always saying crazy stuff like, “love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also.” He knew exactly what the Father desired for humanity and so He came to destroy anything that was in the way. Including all the normal and average things that keep us from experiencing God’s wild, wacky and downright weird love for us.
Christ came to take away our sin but he also came to speak in direct contrast to our sinful human nature. It is natural for us to be gluttons and hoarders. It is natural for us to pursue comfort before we pursue loving another person. It is natural for us to give out of guilt and obligation before we actually sacrifice anything. Jesus, however, tells a rich man looking for more from life to sell all his possessions and give them to the poor (Matthew 19:21). He tells the religious leaders to love their neighbors as themselves, even if that neighbor is the last person in the world they would want to associate with (Luke 10:25-37). Then He praises a widow for giving all she had even if it was only a couple pennies (Mark 12:43-44).
I have to ask myself after hearing these commandments and truths if I trust Him enough to believe that this is really a better way to live than what is natural to me. If I believe what His word says, I have to say yes! It is when I start to listen to the selfish little voices inside of me that I get into trouble. But it turns out that those little voices don’t have my best interest or anyone else’s in mind anyway. So, in light of all this… here are some ways we can break the mold this holiday and do something weird.
Normal- Go to the Thanksgiving Parade.
Weird- Go to the Parade with a box of hand warmers for anyone who might be cold.
Normal- Share a short prayer before you eat.
Weird- Spend more than 5 minutes praying for each other and for people who do not know Christ.
Normal- Watch the football game
Weird – During halftime, help your grandma wash dishes or set the table, take care of the little kids in your family so the adults can have a conversation, have an intentional conversation with your crazy uncle.
Normal- Eat a lot of food.
Weird – Fast up until the Thanksgiving meal. In this time, remember to pray for those who are hungry – physically and spiritually – and thank God that satisfaction can be found wholly in Him.
Normal- Go shopping this weekend at the mall
Weird – Do some shopping on these websites: tradeasone.org, the Christmas catalog at compassion.com, or The Ways to Give section of worldvision.org! You can also be a part of HPBC’s Angel Tree project. Learn more at http://highlandparkbaptist.com/calendar/project-angel-tree-0
Compared to Christ’s life these things are really not that weird. But we all know that being different can be really hard. This list is totally do-able though! Remember you literally have God’s spirit with you at all times and that through Him you can do anything. Even talk to your crazy uncle;) SO HAVE A WEIRD THANKSGIVING!
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