Ordinary

What does it mean to be ordinary? To be just like the world? Can you not be in the world and still be ordinary? Sadly yes, and many people do not believe it is so. "Sure I am different" they say. "I go to church" BIG DEAL No one cares if you go to church or not. Many christians believe that just because they don't go to rated R movies, or do this, or do that, that they are better than others around them. That not listening to rap music makes a difference in the world. Get over yourselves I say. Christians are no longer ones who stand out. They are just like everybody else. In our postmodern, it's all okay society, what makes a difference? One of the greatest fears I have ever possesed is the fear of being ordinary. Of being just someone else in the world. Someone who lives, gets married, has kids, and dies. Of being just another pastor. I might be a good person, but I long to make a difference. I am reminded of the passage of scripture I read last week.
Acts 5:35-39
And said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men. For before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered, and brought to nought. After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him: he also perished; and all, even as many as obeyed him, were dispersed. And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought: But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.


Obviously, Jesus was not like just one of those men who had people follow him and then he died , only to never be heard from again. Christ was a reality, and is a reality, all over the world. To get back to the question at hand, What makes Chrisianity, or Christ, so unordinary? My whole life I have been caught up with crowds and numbers and popularity. Lots of the faith structures we are raised in support this. But Christ did not set out to do those things. He did not set out to hold big conferences, or massive healing seminars, or even to heal people and do all those things. He simply came to seek and to save those who are lost. He came not to be served but to serve, to give His life a ransom for many.

Father, may these be the things that I long for. To lay down my life for your gospel. To seek and to preach salvation to those who are lost. Help me to lay down all my wants and dreams and hopes and desires and wants and needs, and my life, for your kingdom.

Who are those people that are unordinary? Those who lay down their life for their friends, for their family, for their enemies. Those who love beyond all degree. Father, help me to love. Let me forget about preaching, and about fame and fortune, and marriage, and money and all these simple things. Help me to walk simply in your truth. Help me to love. Oh God, my heart is decietful within me. Help me to love. Help me to make a difference with your love. May people know that I am your disciple not because I sing well, or carry a big bible, or wave my hands in worship, or have a fish on my car, but because I love. I love them with your love that flows through me. Help me to love Jesus. Help me to love.


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