Are any of you out there just average? Did you make up your mind when younger and setting goals to just achieve mediocrity? Do you fall back on the excuse "well at least I am better off than most." And freefall from there, as others pass you by, due to your average effort. Have you ever had or been a middle manager in some business, and wondered what it was you were supposed to do? No responsibilities, no authority, but lots of blame comes your way. Did you ever stop to think that maybe it wasn't the situation that was average, but maybe was effort was below average?
We have become a society of doing just enough to get by. I have won awards from companies for being the best, when the field I competed in was so bad. Did I win or did they lose? Have you ever bragged about being runner up, in a two man race? Finished in the top three, of three? And felt like a winner? Aim low enough, you will eventually hit your mark. Maybe you are more average than you think.
It is not uncommon for people I know to come up and tell me of the neat things they are doing for God. Badges, pins, trophies, or some other recognition. Like they have accomplished something by getting the award, when really they are so average. Pins to the first 500 entrants. "I went into the ghetto and fed homeless." Good. "I did my two weeks in Hawaii with the youth group." Good. "I visited nursing homes just like the pastor said." Good. Then after my one effort went back to my old lifestyle. Average again. Or fill in any of the above with what you did when asked. And you will be average. Name...here! Or maybe below. You did your job, but what did you do leave behind that others will remember and be blessed by? Did you go beyond the required and let God lead you to greater things? That only He would see? What made it special? Was it God? Or who saw you. And what did you get out of it? God's trophies don't fit any shelves I ever saw. Would you go back, alone?
Two examples-to aid in your decision. There is a national prison/motorcycle ministry that goes into prisons with the bikes. After the celebrity speaker finishes, they break up one on one for ministry. Ask Bro. Willie-he does this every chance he gets when it is within a 600 mile radius of where he lives. Not once a year when it just happens to be in his area. He loves God, and the prisoners he meets. He has a special love for them. His commitment is above average. But when I meet many others who attend, there reward is going for a trophy after five visits. Some even attend just for the trophy. Same trophy, but a different reward. We need more Willies. If it were for trophies, he would have to store his bikes outside because of all of them he has received. Both attend, both give, both receive. Willie ministers from the heart, in the spirit. Others from a script. Those who Willie ministers to will remember him, he is a constant, and leaves more than he takes. He takes the time, and will make the time. No middle management gospel here. Is yours?
A few years ago a group went from Calvary Chapel Escondido to deliver talking Bibles in Africa. Largely illiterate, this was the first exposure to the gospel for many in Africa. And many lives were changed. On a free afternoon, while others were resting, or sight seeing, Eddie came across some men with broken motorcycles. Nothing major, loose chains, tighten bolts, and tune ups. Change some tires. So being a fellow biker, he spent the day showing them how to use the tools, and fix their own bikes. Now they could ride! And knew how to fix them after Eddie left. He had taken them the gospel, but left them a special gift-the time he gave them. They could ride again! A prayer answered, by a man who took the time to fix their bikes. And he was to be remembered as the man who told me about Jesus, and fixed my motorcycle. The gospel gave them life, and Eddie showed them how to enjoy it. And share it with others. And every time they ride, they remember him, and the Jesus who sent him. Because he gave more than was required. Just like Willie, it comes from the heart. What is the legacy you leave?
Where do your ministry efforts show up? Do you spend the time it takes, or do you just wear the colors? See I am in... Or have the bumper sticker? Or attend the church? What part of Jesus and His love for others is missing in your life? Maybe if you have to tell the world you are a Christian, you need to reconsider. It is the things not seen that are eternal. Do you represent a club, a church, a ministry, or Jesus? Ask God, if you are too timid to ask yourself. Then obey Him. Ask Him for a new heart. To have a love for the lost, and the church. To minister in love one on one. Preach the word daily, when necessary use words. Or motorcycles. Letting the light of God shine through all the cracks in your life. Make a difference.
Maybe Timothy Leary, yeah that one, put it best. "Beware the lollipop of mediocrity, one lick and you will suck forever." Beware the trophy flavored one. It can be deadly. We have all been given the heart of Jesus when we are saved. What we do with it is up to us. Of all the things I have heard to describe Jesus, average is not one of them. His love cannot be termed mediocre. How about yours?
Remove the lollipop, and show God's love to others. Go beyond what is required, and do what is needed. If God has to ask what have you been doing, maybe you haven't been. It is not what the world sees that counts, it is what God sees. For He so loved, He sent His only sons, and daughters to share His gospel. Nothing average about Jesus....so don't you be!
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com