Galatians 2:20 (ESV)

I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

 

So many Christians it seems are content to just get by in their Christian life. They ask Jesus into their life, they go to church, they learn a few hymns and read the Bible occasionally, but they never really amount to anything in the Kingdom of God. They are content to be average.

 

MR AVERAGE?

 

The average Australian man is 36 yo, 178 cm tall and weighs 85kg. He has 2 kids and earns $65,000 a year. His life expectancy is 81.5, women get 4 years more, are 14cm shorter and weigh only 68kg. Statistics can tell you a lot of things, but it cannot tell you who will become great, who will impact the lives of others or who will lay down their life for someone they love.

 

The average Christian over 35-40 years will attend 1600 church services, hear 1600 sermons, sing more than 20,000 worship songs and lead zero people to faith in Christ.

 

But average is where many Christians aim, and they hit it! They are content to be ordinary, to live what they think is an adequate Christian life.

 

They believe that if they go to church, read their Bible occasionally, and say their prayers once in a while, they will be all right with God. Occasionally, they may be inspired to go above and beyond their normal routine and volunteer to serve others as an usher, a member of a church committee, or even go on a short-term mission trip.

 

So many Christians, especially after the disruption of COVID, are simply going through the motions of being “good Christians.” They do not enjoy the power, the fullness, peace, and joy that should come with the abundant life Jesus promised.

 

John 10:10 (ESV)

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.

 

Eventually, this ordinary, average Christian life they are living becomes a burden and does not comfort them when the storms of adversity assail. There’s a disconnect between what we say we believe and what we actually experience. Why are so many Christians content to be ordinary?

 

1.      WE GET FOCUSSED ON THE WRONG THING

 

So many Christians are simply focussed on the wrong thing. They are chasing the right career, the right business, the right partner, the right kids, the right church. They concentrate on getting, getting money, houses, hobbies or any number of things except Christ.

 

Let me ask you, what are you focussed on? Here’s a hint… What do you think about most? Do you spend more time or invest more energy into business, money, home making, even leisure that you invest into reading the Bible, coming to church and prayer. Your time and heads pace is a good indicator of your focus.

 

Matthew 6:32-33 (ESV)

For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

 

2.      WE GET DISTRACTED

 

Another reason our Christian lives are ordinary is that we get distracted. We start well, the seed of an extraordinary life is sown, but as Jesus explains in the parable of the sower, we get distracted by worldly things which choke life and fruitfulness.

 

Matthew 13:22 (ESV)

As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful.

 

When I came to Christ I wanted to do something great, something world changing for Him. I was so young, so full of enthusiasm and drive, but then came starting a career, business, homes, family. None of these are bad, but I noticed they pressured me to take my eyes of Christ. God has shown me that if I seek Him I can serve Him better, and live a more extraordinary life to boot.

 

Colossians 3:2 (ESV)

Set your minds on things that are above, no