Extreme

The writing word of the day is “extreme.” It means, “existing in a very high degree; going to great or exaggerated lengths; exceeding the ordinary, usual, or expected.” I think of all the ways we use the word: extreme sports, extreme views, extreme weather, extreme networks, extreme music, extreme violence. A quick online shopping trip reveals all the ways we like the word in our products: extreme mascara, extreme steam iron, extreme face cream, extreme home gym, extreme pro pickleball paddle. It seems we are a people who attempt to go to extremes in all we do. 

The word comes with so much expectation, pressure, and fear. Thinking of all the extremes in my life overwhelms me (extremely). Good thing I can look at Jesus, whose extreme-ness overshadows everything.

As Brad Reardon writes in his article, “Extreme Jesus,” 

Jesus and his extreme claims change everything. They will not fade away. How extreme is he? “I am the Bread of Life. He who comes to me will never go hungry.” “I am the Light of the World. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness.” “I am the Good Shepherd, who lays down his life for the sheep.” “I am the Resurrection and the Life. He who believes in me will never die.” “I am the True Vine. Apart from me you can do nothing.” “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father but by me.”

https://www.christianitytoday.com/biblestudies/articles/evangelism/060426.html

Those are some extremes I can buy into. It’s something to cling to as we move into our extreme holiday season with its extreme deals, extreme celebrations, and extreme expectations. I think instead I’ll think about the God who went to the extreme of becoming one of us and growing up among us. All because of his extreme love.