Radical

Disturbingly the past week has seen multiple instances of radical action that are characterised by extreme violence. False information - amplified on social media - has ignited scenes of angry mobs turning directly to violent and destructive means that has included intimidation, wanton destruction of property, and violence directed at whoever appears to be crossing their path. Politicians and commentators are right to draw a distinction between these acts and genuine protest.

Thankfully in recent days we have also seen a wave of radical action of a different kind. People of many backgrounds have taken to the streets not just to clear up the carnage left by the radical violence, but to radically stand peacefully in counter-protest. Their numbers have been swelled by ordinary folk who have taken the radical step to come out to protect community buildings and assets that contribute so much to our society.

For the follower of Jesus, the way ahead is and has always been radical. For to live such that we become like Christ is to be radicalised. Radicalised into a way of love which has no room for violence, intimidation, oppression, or attempting to exert control of others in any way. Exertion and use of force simply do not figure in the mindset.

Such a way will be a 'struggle', and coming against opposition will be a 'fight'. But such words as struggle and fight are used carefully because in the radical way of Christ they never translate into physical force or using any of the human weapons (be it mis-information, control, oppression, nor any of the multitude physical weapons mankind has ever devised). The real struggle or fight is in the spiritual, where the evil that manifests in the kind of evil we have witnessed on our streets is to be stopped in its tracks.

This past week we have observed extremism fleshing out in violent form. The way of Christ is also an extremism - but of a different kind. It fleshes out in loving form.