Radically Different

I will be the first to admit that surfing is probably the most selfish sport in the whole world: my  beach, my spot, my wave. It really does revolve around us. It goes further when we seek to get  approval and respect, when we want to get clips or to make a name for ourselves in the lineup.  This world is so focused on self, and at the center of the surf world, it’s no different. But as followers of Jesus, we are called to live radically different. 

I have never been one to give up a set wave… never. The other day when I was surfing with a  buddy, a great wave came in and I was in position. As I paddled, I looked down the line at my  friend and told him to go. This small instance made me pause and think about why I did this.  

Why did I give this wave away? The more I thought about it, although it was a small thing, I  realized the joy I experienced when it wasn’t all about me. Jesus invites us to live differently  than the world.  

We are called to give our lives away to others. When we follow Jesus, He calls us to put others  first, to love in such a radical way that people cannot help but see Jesus in us. 

In John 21, we read about how Peter was restored and was invited into the mission Jesus had for  him (verses 15-17): 

15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love  me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my  lambs.” 16 Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord,  

you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” 17 The third time he said to him,  “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time,  “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said,  “Feed my sheep.” 

Peter was called to live beyond himself and his wants and desires and to live a life of service.  Sacrifice means to joyfully give up what we so desperately hold on to. It can also mean to serve  others above ourselves—your family, friends, and those around you. It’s putting others first. It  also means that there may be things that we give up. We lay those things down at the feet of  Jesus because we know what He has for us is way better than what the world offers us. This goes  against everything the world tells us to do. Jesus calls us to live differently than the world does.  Sacrifice is a response, not a duty. It is because we are so loved by Jesus that we can radically  love others and give our lives away.