Let me preface this post by saying even though the article referenced below was written by a pastor and talks about Christians and spiritual issues, the question is much broader than that. Is it wrong to be average – not just in ministry but in all aspects of life – career, relationships, parenting, community involvement, and more?
Larry Osborne posted a very thought provoking article that begins:
“As a young pastor I had the idea that God calls every Christian to do great things. My faith heroes were all mountain-moving, charge-the-hill spiritual warriors. I assumed full submission to Jesus would transform anyone into a spiritual Braveheart; kicking-butt for Jesus and marshalling a battalion of others to do the same. It sounded good. It was motivational.”
He goes on to talk about two people who…
“when it came to obeying scripture their character, relationships, and integrity, they were two of the most Christlike people I’d ever met… For the first time, I began to wonder if God could actually be pleased with simple folks who love him, love their family and friends, and then die without ever having done (or wanting to do) anything significant. To put it more bluntly, I began to wonder if there was room in the kingdom for mediocrity. Could someone be average and still please God?”
It’s a great question and one I am wrestling with myself.
Within my church there is a big push for excellence. But to be perfectly candid I sense there is also an underlying feeling that both collectively and individually we are not operating at our full potential. We are constantly challenging each other to “step up our game.”
I also struggle with this internally. Sometimes I’m fired up and chomping at the bit to lead people on some new adventure. And sometimes I’m just tired of pushing myself and others to do more or do it better.
So, is there something wrong with being average?
I think it depends on how you define average. Usually when people talk about excellence and mediocrity they are talking about results – what you’ve accomplished, how many people you’ve impacted, what position or level you’ve risen to. Asking, “Is it wrong to have average results?” is the wrong question.
Mother Theresa is quoted as saying, “We are called not to be successful but to be faithful.”
That means results are not what matter, it’s that we do what God calls us to do with what we have.
One person may be called to care for people who have been forgotten in nursing homes. They could serve humbly, faithfully for years with all their heart sharing God’s love to the dying and never be noticed. Another person may have the talents, personality, and calling to lead but only do so half-heartedly. The results may seem greater, their numbers bigger, and their accolades more glowing. Which of these people would you call average and which extraordinary?
This goes beyond just church and ministry to all areas of life. One person may be an extraordinary janitor, while another is a half-hearted CEO. One person may be dedicated parent of one, while another is a half-hearted parent of 5. One person may be a loving friend to the neighbors on her street, while another may be self-centered congressman. Which of these people are average and which are extraordinary?
Another thing Mother Theresa used to say is, “We can do no great things, just small things with great love. It is not how much you do, but how much love you put into doing it.”
What do you think? Is it wrong to be average? Have you ever found yourself comparing your impact (results) to others instead of looking at your heart and your faithfulness?