The Security of Mediocrity
Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches: feed me with food convenient for me: Lest I be full and deny thee, and say Who is the Lord? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain. Proverbs 30:8-9
As a teen, mediocrity was not acceptable. I had dreams and aspirations of being the fastest, strongest, richest and most powerful. I wanted it all. Little did I know what I was seeking. My father often pointed out that I needed to be content with my station in life. But I refused. I sought after greatness rather than seeking after God.
The Israelites did the same thing as they obtained the Promised Land (Deut 31:20). As they gained wealth in land and plenty of food, they turned their back on God. And the extreme of poverty causes the same rejection of God. Did Job's wife not encourage him to curse God and die? (Job 2:9) Extremes in wealth cause us to loose focus on what is important - a close walk with God.
Only when I changed my focus, as a young adult, did I find success. Not in being the best but in finding peace. Many people can quote Philippians 4:13 (and even see it during football games). But how many can quote just two verses up? Philippians 4:11 states: "Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content." This is the biggest challenge we have in staying close to Christ. The worries of worldly concerns will cause us to lose focus on what is important (Matt 6:25)
I believe Agur was speaking directly to me in the opening verse. The strength of my relationship with Christ is challenged when I encounter extremes in physical conditions. Therefore, I need to be content in my station in life, no matter what it may be - at the top, bottom or somewhere in between. I need to practice being content where I am (thanks Paul).
It is easy being thankful for the many blessings God bestows upon us. But the challenges? Join me today in giving thanks for ALL that God has bestowed upon us. When we recognize mediocrity is where we are, let's be thankful!
As a teen, mediocrity was not acceptable. I had dreams and aspirations of being the fastest, strongest, richest and most powerful. I wanted it all. Little did I know what I was seeking. My father often pointed out that I needed to be content with my station in life. But I refused. I sought after greatness rather than seeking after God.
The Israelites did the same thing as they obtained the Promised Land (Deut 31:20). As they gained wealth in land and plenty of food, they turned their back on God. And the extreme of poverty causes the same rejection of God. Did Job's wife not encourage him to curse God and die? (Job 2:9) Extremes in wealth cause us to loose focus on what is important - a close walk with God.
Only when I changed my focus, as a young adult, did I find success. Not in being the best but in finding peace. Many people can quote Philippians 4:13 (and even see it during football games). But how many can quote just two verses up? Philippians 4:11 states: "Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content." This is the biggest challenge we have in staying close to Christ. The worries of worldly concerns will cause us to lose focus on what is important (Matt 6:25)
I believe Agur was speaking directly to me in the opening verse. The strength of my relationship with Christ is challenged when I encounter extremes in physical conditions. Therefore, I need to be content in my station in life, no matter what it may be - at the top, bottom or somewhere in between. I need to practice being content where I am (thanks Paul).
It is easy being thankful for the many blessings God bestows upon us. But the challenges? Join me today in giving thanks for ALL that God has bestowed upon us. When we recognize mediocrity is where we are, let's be thankful!
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