Extreme in the Ordinary

“Whatsoever you do, do all to the glory of God.”  I Corinthians 10:31

What do you consider the most astounding characteristic of God?  There are many attributes that attract us.  He is powerful, merciful, just and holy.  He created the universe and all that is within it.  Human minds cannot fathom the depths of His knowledge nor comprehend the heights of His glory.  I am silenced and humbled by these revelations, yet the trait I find practically beyond belief is His ability to be present in the common.  And not only is He present, He is doing the lowliest of tasks with the most extreme obedience and love.

It is easy to think ourselves quite holy because we have just completed a two-week mission to South America or maybe a year in an African village.  Maybe we are serving in full-time ministry or leading a youth group in inner-city outreach.  We are a mobile generation not intimidated by timezones, cultural barriers or even lack of money.  Living on the edge is actually attractive to most of us. 

We can surf life’s biggest waves at high-speed Internet velocity. But what about the common responsibilities?  Are we faithful in the day-to-day? Do we take time to cultivate intimacy with God?  Do we build relationships in our communities?  Have we stooped to uplift a friend in distress?  When we are asked to do boring jobs, do we slop through it so we can run to catch the next wave?

God has removed many fears from our generation and He has done it for His Name and His renown. The world is our playground and He has told us to “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations” Matthew 28:19.  Never before has that been more possible than today. 

Our generation should humbly thank God for the freedom He has granted us and for the desires to explore and experience the world.  Yet we must not forget that Jesus calls us to live the ordinary in an extreme way.  We must follow His example, looking for opportunities to wash the feet of our companions, withdraw to the wilderness to commune with God, and carry our crosses in the face of scorns and insults.

Born in a stable, son of a carpenter, fisher of men, this is our King.  Let us be a generation willing to follow His example by living with extreme obedience and love in the most ordinary circumstances of life.