Don't be weirder than you have to be

Years ago I was very struck by a comment from Dick Lucas: Christians are weird anyway; be careful not to make yourselves more weird than you have to be. 

There is so much truth in that. The gospel in the modern world - and the postmodern world - is pretty weird. Centrality of the cross? Physical resurrection? Second coming? Judgement of the living and the dead? Pretty heavy, all of it!

Peter tells us to (2 Pet 1:5) add to our faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. 

Dick's warning was against our tendency to add to our faith extreme political views, or quirky dietary fads, or irrational fear of scientists, or wacko conspiracy theories. Don't make yourself odder instead of godlier. 

Especially, do not promulgate these views with a vehemence that parallels your passion for Christ's gospel. You may believe that vaccination is satanic, or that rubbing crushed eggshell into your scrotum is a surefire cure for your prostate problem, but please don't elevate it (the opinion, that is) to rival the free offer of justification by faith in your panoply of opinions. 

Some believers are so passionate about everything, including the most awful eccentricities, that they are persuasive about nothing. 

But then, if that's you, I suppose you already have me down as a pathetic compromiser anyway. For which I guess the cure is a kale, rhubarb leaf and kelp smoothie. Cheers, everyone!