Break Through the Line of Mediocrity!

"Life is a leaf of paper white
Whereon each one of us may write
His word or two, and then comes night.
Greatly begin! though thou have time
But for a line, be that sublime--
Not failure, but low aim, is crime."    -James Russell Lowell

The invisible dividing line between mediocrity and excellent life is evident in many people today. You can find people all over, who after several trials and failures, resolve to accept the status quo. They believe the voice of lies that they just can’t do it anymore.

Everywhere I look, I can see people who are quitters:

1. He might be a former Christian who quit on his faith and later became drunkard, alcoholic, drug addict, robber, and miserable.

2. She might be a former obedient daughter who quit on her righteous stand and later became pregnant but unmarried, problematic and suicidal.

3. He might be a former student who quit his studies and later became a married man with 5 children, unemployed and a slave to debt.

4. He might be a former honest employee who quit on his integrity and later ends up in prison due to dishonesty.

5. He might be a former minister of the Gospel who quits and later became the slave of every sin that he formerly condemned.

6. He might be a former faithful husband, or she might be a former faithful wife, who after several temptations quit and become additional to the ever growing numbers of broken marriages and broken lives.

I don’t know what kind of situation that you are involved with today. But whatever it is, I have good news for you! There is still hope for you my friend! And you just might be a minute away from the answer to your huge problems!

The word of God has a message of hope for you and there is nothing impossible with God. If you want to break through across the line of mediocrity! If you want to experience the freedom from the slavery of sinful life! Then this message is for you!

If you can, turn to Ruth 1:1-18 in your Bible. We will begin this message by talking about Ruth, a Moabite girl, who had been converted to Israelite belief. She is facing the moment of decision in her life. Will she cross the line of mediocrity to pursue her new found faith in God or come along with the wave of the sinful world by going back to her old life?

(Ruth 1:11-13) Ruth faces a crucial moment in her life. Her sister in law, Orpah had already given up and returned to her family and her god in Moab. The temptation and pressure to give up became heavier this time. (Ruth 1:14-15) Orpah was a picture of a quitter. Orpah loved her mother in law, however, she doesn't love her enough to go with her.

Like Ruth, Orpah became a believer of God in the house of her mother in law; however, the fact that she chose to go back again to Moab is an indication of her backsliding life. For sure, she cannot stand alone on her new found faith in the midst of the idolatrous people of Moab.

(Ruth 1:16-17) On the other hand, Ruth decided to break through the line of mediocrity. She knows that she might be still weak in her faith and therefore need spiritual guidance by her mother-in-law. And since her faith in God becomes her priority, she is determined to keep it and do all possible means to protect it.

Ruth was a Moabite girl. Moabites are gentile or pagan people who worship idols and considered sinners by the Jewish people. But what made Ruth so special in God’s sight that He makes sure that one of the Old Testament books of the Bible bears her name?. Ruth is one, of only two women, whose name was used as a title of a biblical book; and the only Gentile who enjoy this kind of heavenly honor. The other one is Esther and she is an Israelite.

First and foremost, Ruth finds the right connection by sticking to her godly mother in law, Naomi. In other words, associate yourself with people who are connected to God. What is the right connection? It is the line that connects you to the right channel; especially to God and his people.

Secondly, Ruth was able to break through the line of mediocrity because she finds the right direction. She wants to follow the will of God for her life. She knew that she still needs the guidance of a godly spiritual leader like Naomi. After all, heading in the right direction is very important, if we are to reach our divine destiny. Ruth chooses the right direction and fulfilled the will of God for her life.

Third, no man is an island! We need fellowship of other believer who will ignite the fire and passion inside of us. Ruth finds the third step so she can break through the line of mediocrity. It is the fellowship or communion with other believer of God. She made the strong decision by declaring, “…your people will be my people.”

Sticking with the right group of people will create a great impact on our character. And as a result we will be connected also to the God whom they believe.

Finally, Ruth finds the fourth step in breaking through the line of mediocrity. It is the right relationship with God. The most important decision that Ruth ever made in her whole life, was when she committed her life to God. That decision changed the entire course of her life, and consequently changes her life’s destiny.

You see, God doesn't care about your past. It’s not a matter to Him if you are a Gentile or Jew, a sinner or saint, a winner or loser, a beggar or a rich man, black or white. What is important to God is your decision to accept Him as your master and God!

So what are you waiting for? God is waiting for your decision, so He can do his part!

Scripture: Colossians 3:17; Romans 12:2; Philippians 4:13; Ephesians 4:29; 1 John 3:9;  Hebrews 4:12; 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Prayer: This is another day, O Lord. I know not what it will bring forth, but make me ready, Lord, for whatever it may be. If I am to stand up, help me to stand bravely. If I am to sit still, help me to sit quietly. If I am to lie low, help me to do it patiently. And if I am to do nothing, let me do it gallantly. Make these words more than words, and give me the Spirit of Jesus. Amen.

May God bless you,

Brooklyn