For some time now, I have been contemplating a phenomenon that I, through observation, could see existed, but I did not quite know how to verbalize. However, I think the words have finally come to me. I have observed that when the subnormal becomes normal, then what is normal becomes abnormal.
I have reached this conclusion after watching and hearing biblical concepts and spiritual people ridiculed as being “weird,” “radical” and “abnormal.” However, after assessing these doctrines and people, I have determined that they are not abnormal at all. Rather, they are being labeled as “abnormal” by people who unknowingly think “subnormal” is “normal.”
Rather than talking in abstract, allow me to share a few concrete examples.
A family is led in a quiet prayer at a restaurant. Another Christian across the room looks on and concludes they are “strange” and would himself, be embarrassed to be seen praying for his food. Is a praying family “abnormal?” Only through the eyes of one who thinks the “subnormal” is “normal.”
A young lady will not wear revealing and suggestive clothing, but instead wears clothing that is modest. Her Christian peers may look at her and conclude she’s “out of touch” because she will not wear the latest fashions. However, is dressing modestly “abnormal?” Only through the eyes of one who thinks the “subnormal” is “normal.”
A Christian couple attends a play, and due to the gratuitous cursing, decides to leave at intermission. Other Christians are present, and conclude the Christian couple who left are “prudes” and need to “lighten up.” However, is the decision to seek out godly entertainment “abnormal?” Only through the eyes of one who thinks the “subnormal” is “normal.”
A church is in the process of appointing elders and deacons. The elders ask the church to pray and fast. Some in the congregation think to themselves that being asked to pray is one thing, but being asked to fast is just “weird.” However, is asking the church to pray and fast “abnormal?” Only through the eyes of one who thinks the “subnormal” is “normal.”
A young Christian refuses to share, download or even listen to illegally obtained music. His friends in the youth group think he is ridiculous for his decision. However, is honesty in all things “abnormal?” Only through the eyes of one who thinks the “subnormal” is “normal.”
A Christian lady privately goes to another Christian woman who has recently offended her in an attempt to resolve their problem. No sooner than their meeting is over, the Christian woman being rebuked is on the phone telling her friends about how brazen and nervy this Christian lady was. However, is trying to settle privately one’s differences “abnormal?” Only through the eyes of one who thinks the “subnormal” is “normal.”
I could keep going with many more examples that illustrate this phenomenon, but such should suffice. I just want this to be a wakeup call. Maybe we have been living “subnormal” lives and did not realize it. Friends, it is time that we reclaim normalcy, and stop living subnormal lives. Pretending “subnormal” is “normal” does not make it so, and neither does calling “normal” behavior “abnormal” make it so.
Are those strange, abnormal people we know really abnormal, or could it be that we have been living subnormal lives? What do you think?
