In order to live a mediocre life, you should
- preach*
- make love to fear
- apologize a lot
- try to measure your impact
- compare yourself
- fear the success of others
- stay comfortable
- have imaginary conversations with your critics
- hold on to regret
- wait until tomorrow
- demand appreciation
- be easily offended
- do it right
- and whatever you do, don't take a risk
The problem with this is that Christ did not come to Earth so that we could live in mediocrity! No! He said, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly." (John 10:10, NASB). The New Living Translation says this: "My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life" (emphasis mine). The thief - the destroyer - SATAN - is only there to take away. How much do we let him take away by following these rules of mediocrity?
Sin is disobedience to God, but I think we sometimes forget that the reassuring commandments in His Word are commandments! He says to us, "Do not fear, for I am with you" more times than ANY other commandment. Just a few places this is found: Isaiah 41:10; Jeremiah 46:28; Isaiah 43:5. Look at the fear a mediocre life requires: fear of failure, fear that you aren't making an impact, fear that you aren't appreciated, fear of risk. This is a life PARALYZED by fear. ONE HUNDRED and THIRTEEN times the Bible COMMANDS us to lose that fear.
Don't settle for a mediocre life. Do what you do without looking around at others - they are doing what they do. God has given us all gifts; don't question His judgment! Celebrate the successes of those around you, and offer encouragement to those who haven't succeeded. Step out of the familiar into the scary - God is right there waiting to hold your hand in the dark. Let Him guide you into a glorious and satisfying life!
In the Jackson, Georgia area? Visit my church - it's Awesome!
Find me on Facebook!
Emily's original post featuring the 14 Ways to Make Mediocre Art
*by preach I certainly do not mean the kind of helpful teaching that I hope your pastor delivers every time he steps into the pulpit. [If he doesn't, come and listen to our Pastor Lane. He's awesome!] I mean the preachiness that takes a genuine observation and turns it into an offering of bitter bread...the preachiness that ignores my problems and my fears so that I can "help" you overcome... whatever. It's just another way to ignore the real issue - that you are afraid to take that close look at your own life and see where you really need to make changes.
Emily's original post featuring the 14 Ways to Make Mediocre Art
*by preach I certainly do not mean the kind of helpful teaching that I hope your pastor delivers every time he steps into the pulpit. [If he doesn't, come and listen to our Pastor Lane. He's awesome!] I mean the preachiness that takes a genuine observation and turns it into an offering of bitter bread...the preachiness that ignores my problems and my fears so that I can "help" you overcome... whatever. It's just another way to ignore the real issue - that you are afraid to take that close look at your own life and see where you really need to make changes.
