Why are we prone to settle for less than God’s best?  Perhaps we take our cue from the world rather than God’s word.  As Robertson McQuilkin wisely observed, “Average is not necessarily normal.”  Watchman Nee in his classic, The Normal Christian Life, pictures the normal Christian life as described by the Apostle Paul,

I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.  (Galatians 2:20)

The normal Christian life is characterized by joy in the midst of difficult circumstances and peace in the midst of uncertainty.   The normal Christian life is God’s standard for us – God does not call us to be average.  Average is the worst of the best and the best of the worst.  Too many Christians are quite indistinguishable from the world.  They act out of selfishness, yield to temptation, and covet what they don’t have.   They do not seem to have a vibrant, growing relationship with God, but rather an emptiness at the core of their being. There is nothing supernatural about their lives.  How would you characterize your life?

Rather than taking your cues from the world you need to realize God’s purpose for your life.  Jesus contrasts His purpose with that of the thief,

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.  John 10:10

If Jesus promises us an abundant life then why does it seem so many people are not experiencing such a life?   Although this list is not exhaustive, here are some fundamental reasons:

1. Ignorance – people don’t know such a life is possible.  Paul challenges the church at Rome that they would know their true position in Christ,

knowing this, that our old self was crucified with Him, in order that our body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin; (Romans 6:6)

2.  Unbelief – we may think that such a life is possible for others, but not for me.  Our lack of faith can cause us to miss the fullness of life God has promised for His people.

So we see that they were not able to enter because of unbelief.  (Hebrews 3:19)

3.  Rebellion – We seek to go our own way rather than to follow God.

There is a way which seems right to a man,  but its end is the way of death.  (Proverbs 14:12)

The word “believe” permeates the Gospel of John.  At the end of his Gospel John pens these words,

but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.  (John 20:31)

The key is to believe in Jesus and His words.  True faith enables you to overcome ignorance, unbelief, and rebellion since you are taking God at His word.  As you read this post, my greatest fear for you is not that you set your sights too high and that you fail, but my greatest fear is that you become content with subnormal, mediocre Christianity.

You were created on purpose, with purpose, for a purpose.  Don’t settle for less than what God wants to provide for you.

Associate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark

Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University

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