The Nonconformist

“So he made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple courts, both sheep and cattle; he scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. To those who sold doves he said, “Get these out of here! Stop turning my Father’s house into a market!” (John 2:15-16 NIV)

Religion is often used as a means to herd people and maintain social order. Members often follow a set of regulations and conform to certain rules of conduct. Uniformity is encouraged. Rebels are seen as troublemakers.

Jesus was a nonconformist. He didn’t follow a conventional Jewish lifestyle. He was unconcerned about supporting himself, settling down and starting a family of his own, taking care of his aging mother, or planning for retirement. He associated with outcasts and helped people on the Sabbath. Jesus was disruptive. He called people out on their hypocrisy, criticized social norms, and denounced established religious practices. Yet, Jesus was also compassionate. He reached out to those who were marginalized, spoke to them, fed them, and healed them. Jesus rebelled against convention--not to assert His individuality, but to fully express God’s will.

Jesus cares about others--but NOT about how others perceive Him. Even though He loves us, He will not hesitate to hurt our feelings when necessary.

I pray that we may all emulate Jesus--be able to love others without caring about what they think of us, be willing to be unpopular, and be confrontational when necessary.