Living the daily routine of the norm can be such a rut. The norm is whatever the world dictates it is. What the norm believes in is comprised of whatever the world leaders, scientist, scholars, wise men and the affluent shove at the rest of us. The black and white of right and wrong, good and evil has been painted over with the gray of compromise. It is no longer what is ethically right but what is situationally right or what is right for right now.

Compare how people live their lives today to those who lived fifty years ago. We are the only generation in history that is the most informed and knowledgeable with the internet at our finger tips. But we are also less approachable, caring, sensitive, loving, giving, helpful, compassionate and forgiving. The One main ingredient that has been left out of our modern lives as the world dictates how to live it is God! The most important character traits that are missing are those tied to God’s Word and His commandments.

As Christians the norm is not who we are and it is not what we do. Being a Christian is to be Christ-like which is not the norm! Being a Christian is not dependant on which church you go to or what religion you are. Being a Christian is a daily life style and choice that a born-again believer lives. Going to church on Sundays doesn’t make you a Christian anymore than riding in a race car makes you a professional race car driver.    

The sad thing is too many self-proclaimed Christians walk, talk and act like the norm of this world. When they’re outside the church walls you can’t tell them apart from the rest of the world. “But I wear a cross and have a Christian bumper sticker that shows others that I’m a Christian.” Is that what you’re going to tell God when you stand before Him at His heavenly throne when you give an account of your life?

Matthew 7:16 “By their fruit you will recognize them.” By what they say and what they do will show you their fruit. We are called to be the hands, feet and mouth of God on the earth. You cannot do that living a life of the norm. To live a life that is higher and greater than you could ever live on your own is what we are called to do.

To live beyond the norm is to walk by faith and not by sight EVERY DAY! To allow the leading of the Holy Spirit to have His way in you, to you, with you, for you and through you. To impact your surroundings for God’s kingdom everywhere you go!

It is a stretch and can seem impossible, I struggle to walk it daily. It will make you uncomfortable for it will take you out of the norm of your daily life and put you in the middle of God’s grace and love. You get to witness first hand His life changing power in other people’s lives as God works through you. Yes, you will make mistakes for it isn’t a perfect walk of a perfect person but a Christian walk of faith and trust. It requires your attentiveness, obedience, willingness and follow-through to walk beyond the norm daily.

God wants and desires to do the impossible (I’m-possible), the extravagant, the miraculous, the wonderful, the outrageous, the awesome and the powerful through you everyday if you’re willing to walk beyond the norm!