The word extreme is defined as “reaching a high or the highest degree; very great.”
Most try to avoid the extremes, settling instead for balance and the middle ground. Add to this the unfortunate times we live in where the very word is applied to a person or opinion we don’t agree with. In the reverse, it can be positive, as in putting forth the maximum effort towards a task, goal, or dream with abandon.
For some it is a lifestyle.
Enter John the Baptist.
Captured in Luke chapter 3, his calling was to prepare the way for the coming King. Shouting in the wilderness, making curves straight, and rough places smooth. He lived in the desert, eating locusts and wearing camel’s hair. Then in verse 7 he addressed the crowds: “You brood of snakes! You are trying to escape hell without truly turning to God! That is why you want to be baptized! First go and prove by the way you live that you truly have repented.”
Imagine walking into a church or gathering and hearing that. It would certainly be considered unloving, offensive. It would be well… extreme.
The crowd replied: “What do you want us to do?” They needed to know what extreme sacrifice would be required.
John, as per usual, confounded those present: “If you have two coats, give one to the poor. If you have extra food, give it away to those who are hungry.”
Then the tax collectors, despised and hated, who would surely need to quit their jobs, sell everything, and make restitution: “How shall we prove to you that we have abandoned our sins?”
“By your honesty,” John replied, “Make sure you collect no more taxes than the Roman government requires you to.”
Lastly the soldiers, normally so resolute: “What about us?” Figuring that maybe they would have to go into full time ministry, and become missionaries.
John replied, “Don’t extort money by threats and violence; don’t accuse anyone of what you know he didn’t do; and be content with your pay.”
So, in our current world, what would it look like in our relationships and interactions with others if we were generous, giving, compassionate, honest, and content to the highest degree?
Extreme indeed.