There is a religion practiced by many that is silent in it's official identity, but loud in it's number of dedicated adherents. It is called the Religion of Mediocrity. It's unofficial doctrine is a shared belief that God, heaven, and spiritual instruction is to be approached apathetically and in total tolerance of all ideas. Those that cleave to such a worldview may diligently seek assurance in other matters of life. If a college education is being sought, it better be a school that will yield a top ranked career and a profitable return on the investment. If a home is being purchased, it must be in a quality neighborhood that boasts in safety and convenience. When vacations are planned, you better believe that the best locations are visited, quality hotels are researched, and travel plans are analyzed and prepared to deliver top of the line daily itineraries for the family. However, when it comes to efforts toward spirituality, mediocrity is the standard. How can such a religious approach to life be corrected? The heart and desires of those that practice the Religion of Mediocrity must change course.
Why Spend So Much Time On That Which Will Burn?
Who cares about schooling, colleges, careers, homes, neighborhoods, crime, vacations, and itineraries, when at the end of time none of it will stand. "But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up" (2 Pet 3:10). Take a look around: your computer, phone, the piece of paper your degree is on, home, cars, and plane tickets will all burn when the Lord returns. These things are just physical, temporary, and unimportant when it comes to what matters: eternity.
Heaven Is Not Guaranteed, So Stop Believing Satan's Lies
Satan has been successful in convincing our culture that if you have a pulse, you are going to heaven. Such could not be further from the truth. "Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat" (Matt 7:13). Wake up! Just because you have heard of Jesus, think he existed, and maybe visit some random congregation's worship service during special days, doesn't mean your eternal destiny is heaven. God requires total commitment and faithfulness. Such commitment and faithfulness is required that you will be hated (cf. John 15:18ff), suffer (2 Tim 3:12), and fight (cf. 2 Tim 4:7-8) in order to have heaven as your home. Guess what, if you are not struggling against all that is opposed to God, then it's because you yourself are opposed to God (cf. Jam 4:4).
Your Will + God's Is The Only Thing That Will Transform Your Mediocrity
How do you give up the Religion of Mediocrity? You have to make the decision to forsake it and set your desires (what you really care about and what really matters to you) on doing God's will. "And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment" (Mark 12:30). If you do this, then as you seek to obey God's will out of your love for Him (cf. John 14:15), your zeal and desire for him will be compounded. God's gracious instructions of life supply us with the equipment needed for spiritual completeness, godly living, and good works that are sought after zealously (cf. 2 Tim 3:16-17; Tit 2:11-14).
Next time your planning your vacation, children's educational future, or next big purchase- as you take it so seriously, ask yourself whether you do so in your efforts toward God or if you are a member of the Religion of Mediocrity?
Sean B. O'Brien
Why Spend So Much Time On That Which Will Burn?
Who cares about schooling, colleges, careers, homes, neighborhoods, crime, vacations, and itineraries, when at the end of time none of it will stand. "But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up" (2 Pet 3:10). Take a look around: your computer, phone, the piece of paper your degree is on, home, cars, and plane tickets will all burn when the Lord returns. These things are just physical, temporary, and unimportant when it comes to what matters: eternity.
Heaven Is Not Guaranteed, So Stop Believing Satan's Lies
Satan has been successful in convincing our culture that if you have a pulse, you are going to heaven. Such could not be further from the truth. "Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat" (Matt 7:13). Wake up! Just because you have heard of Jesus, think he existed, and maybe visit some random congregation's worship service during special days, doesn't mean your eternal destiny is heaven. God requires total commitment and faithfulness. Such commitment and faithfulness is required that you will be hated (cf. John 15:18ff), suffer (2 Tim 3:12), and fight (cf. 2 Tim 4:7-8) in order to have heaven as your home. Guess what, if you are not struggling against all that is opposed to God, then it's because you yourself are opposed to God (cf. Jam 4:4).
Your Will + God's Is The Only Thing That Will Transform Your Mediocrity
How do you give up the Religion of Mediocrity? You have to make the decision to forsake it and set your desires (what you really care about and what really matters to you) on doing God's will. "And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment" (Mark 12:30). If you do this, then as you seek to obey God's will out of your love for Him (cf. John 14:15), your zeal and desire for him will be compounded. God's gracious instructions of life supply us with the equipment needed for spiritual completeness, godly living, and good works that are sought after zealously (cf. 2 Tim 3:16-17; Tit 2:11-14).
Next time your planning your vacation, children's educational future, or next big purchase- as you take it so seriously, ask yourself whether you do so in your efforts toward God or if you are a member of the Religion of Mediocrity?
Sean B. O'Brien
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