There is a book in
my library with this intriguing title: The Normal Christian Life. Watchman Nee’s explanation of the way of
Christ is straightforward, but it is the title of his book that arrests my
attention. Nee’s description of a faith-filled life, one focused on the Person
of Christ, lived in the light of eternity’s promise, is anything but the ‘norm’
for many 21st century Christians.
Is there a normal Christian life? The answer is yes and no.
Are there
characteristics of Christianity we all share? Absolutely! The fruit of the
Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience,
kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control- Galatians
5:22-23) is universally a standard for disciples of Jesus. The Gifts of the Spirit (wise counsel, clear understanding, simple trust, healing the sick,
miraculous acts, proclamation, distinguishing between spirits, tongues,
interpretation of tongues- Corinthians 12:8-11, The Message) that equip us
to serve Him effectively are given uniquely to each us. The expressions of our
faith will follow our personality, too.
The godly people
whose stories are told in the Scripture were as different from one another as
we are today.
Peter, was bold,
often spoke without thinking, impulsive.
Paul, was introspective
and provoked many with his teaching.
Luke was
inquisitive, researching and writing our most
comprehensive Gospel.
Timothy was sensitive,
prone to fear that crippled his pastoral leadership.
Mary was an intent
listener.
Martha was a busy
bee, driven by responsibility.
John was
visionary, gaining God’s message in apocalyptic dreams.
So, who among us is normal? That’s really not the right question. Christians aren't called to become carbon
copies of some leader or teacher. God
wants us to have the likeness of Jesus. “Too hard,” you say? Don't be so sure!
He, tho' the Son of God, was also a real man and thus knows what our 'norms' of
experience are. Jesus' loving grace reaches across a wide range of human
personalities... to you - to me! He understands
us. "This High Priest of ours
understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same temptations we do, yet
he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There
we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it."
(Hebrews 4:15-16, NLT)
If we adopt some person,
no matter how stellar their discipleship may be, as the standard for our faith,
we make a BIG mistake. It is impossible to be just like another. Their gifts,
their experience, their personality makes them (and YOU) an original. God is not interested in copies. Jerry Scott will never be Andy Stanley or
Franklin Graham. If I adopt one of those men, or any admired leader, as the measure of
'normal' and attempt to replicate his life in my own, I'm setup for discouragement and ultimately, for failure.
We can learn from
those who walk with us and those who have gone before us. We can observe their
lives and emulate their desire to please God; and we should. All the while
we remember that He calls us to be ALL that HE purposes for us to be, to fully
use and develop those gifts and abilities He invested in us without comparing
our relative worth or success against other Believers. In Galatians 6:4-5 we are instructed
to “Be sure to do what you should, for
then you will enjoy the personal satisfaction of having done your work well,
and you won't need to compare yourself to anyone else. For we are each responsible for our own conduct.”
Are you spending
too much time looking for 'normal?'
Are you wasting
effort comparing your life with that of another?
LOOK UP! Commit
yourself to be LIKE JESUS, the author and finisher of our faith.
He knows --
EXACTLY -- what you're capable of, what His will is for you, and how to bring
you to that place of effective and satisfying service in His kingdom.
___________
Take My Life
Holiness, holiness,
Is what I long for.
Holiness is what I need.
Holiness, holiness,
Is what You want from me.
Faithfulness, faithfulness,
Is what I long for.
Faithfulness, is what I need.
Faithfulness, faithfulness,
Is what You want from me.
So take my heart and form it!
Take my mind, transform it!
Take my will, conform it-
To Yours, to Yours, Oh Lord!
Scott Underwood
© 1995 Mercy /
Vineyard Publishing (Admin. by Vineyard Music USA)
CCLI License #
810055
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