Abundant or Mediocre?

What comes to mind when you think of the word “mediocre?” Can you think of an example or two of this? Now, what comes to mind when you think of “abundance?” Again, can you think of an example or two?

Do you think of yourself as a “play it safe” person or one that is more daring? This is illustrated in the following poem that sometimes makes me laugh, and at other times I feel convicted!

Opportunities Missed (or The Curse of Permanent Potential)
There was a very cautious man
Who never laughed or played.
He never risked, he never tried,
He never sang or prayed.
And when he one day passed away,
His insurance was denied.
For since he never really lived,
They claimed he never died. (source unknown)

Ouch! Do you ever see yourself in this? Sometimes out of fear we play it safe. That can be good if it causes you to avoid a dangerous or harmful situation. But other times we play it safe out of fear of the unknown, or what the impact will be on ourselves. It might be safer, but less fulfilling and rewarding. In both cases, it might be that we are too focused on ourselves instead of others, or our relationship to God and what He is calling us to do.

Read these very helpful and directive tips about how to interact with the people in your life:

• Love must be sincere.
• Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.
• Be devoted to one another in love.
• Honor one another above yourselves.
• Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.
• Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
• Share with the Lord’s people who are in need.
• Practice hospitality.
• Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.
• Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.
• Live in harmony with one another.
• Do not be proud but be willing to associate with people of low position.
• Do not be conceited.
• Do not repay anyone evil for evil.
• Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.
• If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
• Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; will repay,” says the Lord.

On the contrary:

• If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
• If he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
• In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”
• Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.  (Romans 12:9-21)

This seems like enough instruction to keep us busy for a long time! But it’s not a check-off list for some reward. It’s a different way of thinking about yourself, God, and others. As we place our relationship with God foremost in our life, it will impact the way we think about others. How does your dedication to God show in your relationship with others? This passage in Romans gives us a roadmap for interacting with others including the poor, strangers, enemies, and those suffering. As you read through it, doesn’t it sound like the lifestyle Jesus illustrated for us? You wouldn’t have to look too hard in the Bible to find examples of each of these people whose lives were changed as they interacted with Jesus.

In addition to love, how else ought we to treat one another? What, in this passage, would be considered mediocre?  Abundant? Look through the passage and note all the positive “attitude” words Paul uses.

Closing Encouragement from Scripture:
“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”  Romans 12:2
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!”  2 Corinthians 5:17

4832 Ponderings:

• What can you do, in a practical way, to “live at peace” with someone who irritates you?
• How can you see God working abundantly in your life?
• What in your life feels mediocre? What would it take to make it feel abundant? How are people involved?