Dare to be Ordinary

From motivational posters and speakers to “positive thinking” and prosperity preaching, we’ve been taught that we can have whatever we want. Jesus, however, would disagree.

1. Dare to be ordinary

“Whatever your mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve.” Napoleon Hill

“Thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth. You’ve concealed your ways from sophisticates and know-it-alls, but spelled them out clearly to ordinary people. Yes, Father, that’s the way you like to work.” Jesus (Matthew 11:25 MSG)

2. Dare to be humble

“We can change our lives. We can do, have, and be exactly what we wish.” Tony Robbins

“I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” Jesus (Matthew 18:3-4)

3. Dare to be teachable

“Self-trust is the first secret to success.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.” Jesus (John 14:1)

4. Dare to be submissive

“Never, ever, ever go to the Lord and say, ‘If it be thy will. . . .’ Don’t allow such faith destroying words to be spoken from your mouth.” Benny Hinn

“Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” Jesus (Luke 22:42).

5. Dare to be middle class

“God want us to prosper financially, to have plenty of money, to fulfill the destiny He has laid out for us.” Joel Osteen.

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Jesus (Matthew 6:19-21)

6. Dare to be selfless

“Success is doing what you want to do, when you want, where you want, with whom you want, as much as you want.” Tony Robbins.

“Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Jesus (Mark 10:43-45)

7. Dare to be unsuccessful

“Winning isn’t everything, it’s the only thing.” Vince Lombardi

“Blessed are you who are poor,
for yours is the kingdom of God.
Blessed are you who hunger now,
for you will be satisfied.
Blessed are you who weep now,
for you will laugh.” Jesus (Luke 6:20-21).

So, in the name of Jesus, go out there and dare to be ordinary!

Copyright © 2021 James N. Watkins

Editor's Note: Bible references link to BibleGateway, where you can change translations, listen to the passage, and find other useful resources.