Where “Weird” is Normal

 

I’ve tried for most of my life to fit in. To be liked. To be seen but not to stand out – at least not in a “weird” way.

I’ve tried for most of my life to be… “Normal.”

Isn’t this what we aspire to? If you’re going to be an outlier in life, do it by being awesome. Otherwise, fit in, be “normal.”

Just don’t be “weird.”

Weird – Adjective:

1. involving or suggesting the supernatural; unearthly or uncanny
2. fantastic or bizarre
3. concerned with or controlling fate or destiny

I was introduced to someone this week by a friend, who lovingly said,

Meet Brandon. He’s one of the weird ones.”

My friend said this admiringly, knowing I knew the heart and message behind the play on the word – and also knowing he is every bit as “weird” as I am – probably more. He wasn’t referring to me as crazy, creepy, eerie or grotesque – all words and feelings we so often relate to things and people we call “weird.” Instead, he was offering a compliment, one that I received.

Very simply, being “weird” from the world’s perspective means being of or about things that are not “natural” to the world – they are instead supernatural. Often, anything out of the ordinary is looked down upon, or received with skepticism and fear.

As a follower of Jesus Christ, if I have postured my flesh to the in-working of death by the Cross, thus allowing the fullness of His indwelling Life to Live – what the world sees in that Life will be unnatural. It will be supernatural. It is in fact, “unearthly” – not of this world. That Life comes from an Eternal, Divine place – and will be “fantastic” and “bizarre” to be sure. That Life is certain of It’s destiny, having It’s fate secured in Christ – and Living in a victorious freedom that can be intimidating to a watching world.

When you consider it, Jesus was pretty darn “weird” in His life as told in Scripture. He wasn’t received in His own family or hometown. Nothing good could come from where He came from. His closest followers, though drawn to Him, never really “got” Him. And He was constantly scrutinized, challenged and ultimately killed for teachings, acts and claims that were just too “weird” for the religious leaders of His time.

Jesus in many ways seemed to come to champion “weird.” In the Kingdom that He continually proclaimed – a Kingdom that He said was not of this world, was at hand, and His to bring and rule – that which was considered “normal” was almost always turned upside-down.

• Valleys would be full, mountains would be flat; the crooked would be straight and the rough would be smooth.
• The proud, rich and mighty topple; the hungry and poor are enthroned.
• The first will be last and the last will be first.
• Whoever wanted to be greatest, would be the least, a servant.
• The weak are strong.
• The poor are rich.
• Love those who hate you.
• When you lose your life, you will find it.

“Weird” statements. Every one of them. And there were many, many more like these.

But in living out these claims as Truth, there is yet another upside-down, opposite that is revealed.

What is “weird” to the world is “normal” to God. 

In our flesh and humanity, with limited understanding – it is easy and understandable to initially receive these, and any who would seek to Live by them, as “weird.” It’s just not normal to love someone who hurts you. It is not natural to turn the other cheek. It is not the norm to give generously and bless anonymously. Fitting in doesn’t look like walking away from everything you’ve ever known – to respond to a call in your heart. It is very unusual to take small kids into third-world countries to sling concrete. It is against the grain to wash another’s feet.

This is not limited to just the world either. Even among church people, some of the things our Lord called His people to do we struggle living out. They’re just a little too “weird.” Seeing visions and dreaming dreams, signs and wonders, healing the sick, driving out demons, giving sight to the blind, raising the dead – all a touch “weird.”

Some voices in the Church today are even painting a broad brush over some of the above that we do see as “Strange Fire.”

Meanwhile, I hear Jesus saying,

You will do even greater things than these.”

This stuff is kinda “normal.”

As I journey and quest to live my new Life by, to, through, for and in Him – I’m opening myself up to His “normal.” Consequently, this also opens me up to being considered “weird,” in the world, and even in the Church. And I’m growing ever-more ok with that.

As long as He is who is Living through me – I really don’t care if It’s called “weird” or “normal.”

Either way, It’s the only way to LIVE.