Ordinary or Extraordinary? - Part 1 of 2

     I often read “Our Daily Bread,” the pocket sized devotional published by RBC Ministries, as I have my cereal and morning coffee. I like to think of “Our Daily Bread” as “diamonds in the rough.” Sometimes some of the full Kingdom message is delivered within its pages, but often times it is not. The example I am about to share with you is one of those times that the message fell short of the mark. But it is to illustrate my point and to tear down one of the strongholds of the enemy and the system.
     The title of this “Our Daily Bread” entry is “An Ordinary Guy.” It reads in part: “Steve was an ordinary guy. He quietly served in a church I attended years ago. He helped prepare communion, shoveled the church sidewalks in the winter, and mowed the lawn in the summer. He spent time with teenage boys who had no fathers in the home. I often heard him telling people at church in his quiet way how good the Lord was to him.” The devotional goes on and concludes: “Our aim, as followers of Jesus, is to do the same – to bear witness of the Light. We’re just ordinary people serving God in our little corner of the world.”

     Now don’t misinterpret what I am stating. There is nothing wrong with Steve or how he is serving the Lord. If the Lord is leading Steve in these directions and Steve is following, than certainly, as Christians, that is what we are to do.

     But what I do take exception to is the word “ordinary” to describe Christian Followers. So we now come to the title of my message – Ordinary or Extraordinary?

     Let’s look more closely at the words ordinary and extraordinary. Ordinary is defined as: “of no exceptional ability, degree, or quality; average; of inferior quality, second rate.” Interesting? Now, on the other hand, extra-ordinary has three definitions: 1. Beyond what is ordinary or usual. 2. Highly exceptional or remarkable. Or here is a definition I really like 3. Employed or used for a special service, function, or occasion. Looks like extraordinary has a few “extra” qualities than ordinary, such as beyond, highly exceptional, and remarkable.

     Clearly the enemy and the system want followers to believe we are ordinary people “serving God in our little corner of the world,” but what does God’s Word say about us as Believers and followers of Jesus Christ? I always find that to seek answers, you go to the source! Let’s see what the Bible has to say to us in regards to our place with God? 

     Let’s start at the beginning. Genesis 1:27 “So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” So we are created in the likeness of God! When I look in a mirror or at others, I am looking into the face of God! Genesis 1:28 “Then God blessed them, and God said to them, Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”  

     God blessed us - beings made in God’s own image - and we were given power over all swimming, flying, and moving creatures on earth! And to have a blessing is a powerful act and acknowledgement! Blessing comes from the Hebrew word “eulogeo” (eu, “well”, logos, “a word”) signifies “to praise” or “to consecrate a thing with solemn prayers” or “to cause to prosper, to make happy.” A blessing from God is a promise from the Most High that what is spoken onto us will be manifested! It is a sure thing. A done deal! And it has great power to manifest in our lives! Thank you God! 

     Jesus also taught us that certain attributes or behaviors are blessed by Him. Matthew 5:3-10: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” So poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, those who practice righteousness, merciful, pure in heart, peacemakers who will  be called sons of God, and those who are persecuted for His name sake, are blessed by God!   

     Again, blessings are powerful affirmations and gifts to us! And since God’s word is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow and never changes, than we know in our soul that God blesses us!  

     We also know that location matters! But, as Believers and sons of God, our worth is not defined or bound to a physical location. Instead, our worth is defined on how best we tend to the Holy Spirit, and it builds upon the location that lies within each of us. 1 Corinthians 3:16 “Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?” In fact, Jesus finds us of great worth, so much so that He commands us in Matthew 10:8 “Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.” And God grants us these powers! Acts 1:8 “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” John 14:12 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.”

~ Mike West