Sometimes it seems the extraordinary or extravagant get all the attention, whereas the Bible is very clear that consistency over the long haul is a better way to approach life. When the great doctrine of the resurrection is defended and described in the book of 1st Corinthians, there is the call for the ordinary as a way of response.
1 Corinthians 15:58 (ESV) — 58 Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.
Ordinary isn’t a quality that people set out to be in the daily grind of life. As a matter of fact, people often act like ordinary is a bad thing or something to give you reason for discontent. But ordinary isn’t all bad. I am grateful to be ordinary when it comes to going to the doctor when the check in nurse often comments that I seem to be normal, and then adds, and that’s a good thing.
The normal in 1Corinthians 15, is the normal response to the anticipation of the great day of resurrection. Too many times, people go off the deep end or feel like they have to demonstrate looking forward to the happening in some fantastic demonstration. No, just be ordinary in steadfastness, in being unmovable, and in abounding in the work of the Lord. Just as Jesus reminded us of the blessing of being found doing His will when He returns.
Matthew 24:44–46 (ESV) — 44 Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. 45 “Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his master has set over his household, to give them their food at the proper time? 46 Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes.
Think about these three words that describe what should be the ordinary for every follower of the Lord Jesus Christ – steadfastness, immoveable, and abounding in the work of the Lord. That may seem extraordinary rather than ordinary, which actually it is for the common person, but not for one who has been changed by the Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV) — 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
1 Thessalonians 1:5–6 (ESV) — 5 because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake. 6 And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit,
Ephesians 1:19–20 (ESV) — 19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might 20 that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places,
Anyone who is in Christ has been chosen, redeemed, and called by God. Therefore, the ordinary for the life of a believer is far different from one who is not. There is power from God to live every day and that power produces steadfastness, stability, and energy.
Think about how God brings about steadfastness in our lives.
Romans 5:1–5 (ESV) — 1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
God brings us faith, peace, and grace but the blessings abound when we go through suffering or tribulation because then He produces endurance or steadfastness, character, and hope as He pours His love in us through the working of Holy Spirit. The fruit of the Spirit is not something we can choose to add to our character, although it’s important to be mindful of these qualities. Rather, we must remember it’s the fruit OF THE SPIRIT, not of the flesh, and so often the fruit abounds in circumstances that are just the opposite. The fruit of LOVE is seen in unlovable situations, JOY in the midst of a difficult time, and PEACE in the midst of turmoil.
Galatians 5:22–23 (ESV) — 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
The standard for immovability is very high, for which God has given us a great illustration and application.
Psalm 93:1 (ESV) — 1 The Lord reigns; he is robed in majesty; the Lord is robed; he has put on strength as his belt. Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved.
Hebrews 10:23 (ESV) — 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.
Of course, the “ordinary” standard of abounding in the work of the Lord means we are not a flash in the pan in our service to God, but being motivated by His magnificent love for us, we look for ways to serve and are all in when it comes to serving Him out of gratitude.
Colossians 2:6–7 (ESV) — 6 Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, 7 rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.
How ordinary is your life? Never discount the importance of being ordinary by God’s standard for it is the way of consistency, growth, and glory to God.
Godspeed,
Bob Brubaker, Pastor
Christ Community Presbyterian Church
Check out the PowerBreak podcast wherever you download podcasts or from our website: www.bobbrubaker.com
