First, let me say that I AM NOT bashing the "Spectacular." Our Lord is Spectacular. He did Spectacular things! The church has every right, by faith, to expect wonderful, awesome, momentous things from God if He so chooses! He is a great, awesome, loving, sovereign, and omnipotent God!
Amen! :)
But here is my point. Have you ever noticed that the Holy Spirit (via the New Testament writers), also exhorted simple, biblical, holy living? As a matter of fact, it seems to be a predominant exhortation:
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. (1 Timothy 2:1-2)
But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine. 2 Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. 3 Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, 4 and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, 5 to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled. 6 Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled. 7 Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, 8 and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us. 9 Bondservants are to be submissive to their own masters in everything; they are to be well-pleasing, not argumentative,10 not pilfering, but showing all good faith, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior. 11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, 12 training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, 13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works. (Titus 2:1-14)
For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness. 8 Therefore whoever disregards this, disregards not man but God, 9 Now concerning brotherly love you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another, 10 for that indeed is what you are doing to all the brothers throughout Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers, to do this more and more, 11 and to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, 12 so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one. (1 Thessalonians 4:7-12)
...And so many more passages! In the entertainment age, we are so drawn to the spectacle...the big show...the explosion! Boom! LOL. But there are many saints (including MANY pastors) who fall into varying degrees of sadness all the way to depression because their lives or ministries seem, in their eyes, so mundane. Many precious saints are discontented and dis-eased :) because "all they do" is get up, go to work, love their families, share the Gospel, and walk in day-to-day faithfulness. I submit dear reader that one would be hard-pressed to open the New Testament and find the "out-front, in bright lights" style of living so prized by our culture also prized by Jesus or the Apostles or encouraged as something to seek after for the saint of God. Indeed...
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. 5 "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. 6 "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. 7 "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. 8 "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. 9 "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. 10 "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 "Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matthew 5:3-12)
"But godliness with contentment is great gain." (1 Timothy 6:6)
"Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content." (Philippians 4:11)
To those living with a simple, "unspectacular" desire to be faithful each day, I say "Great job! Keep going!"
Again, not at all criticizing the times when we see the Lord feed the four or five thousand or when He raises up someone to lead in wonderful ways. I'm just saying that those day-to-day walks with Him that don't get much attention are just as precious. There is much (but unheralded) power in biblical contentment and simple faithfulness. And that kind of power is available to every follower of Christ...today.
So if you are simply trying to walk with Jesus, be encouraged! If you aren't well known, or if your business hasn't "taken off," or if no one seems to notice the good and proper diligence you are giving our LORD and His Gospel, it's OK! Let Him be glorified through your life! Finish your race! You'll be so glad you did when you see Him face-to-face! :)
Amen.
