Going Beyond The Ordinary

What does it take to “go beyond” others and find happiness? Education? Wealth? Family? Networking? Occupation? Power? Recognition? Prestige? 

What about “going beyond” for the Christian? Are there standards for “happiness?” 

The first Psalm almost explodes with a joyful exclamation of one who “goes beyond.” That one is called “blessed,” or in many translations, “happy.” And it is not “everyone” who attains this plateau of happiness. It is “the one” who is a believer in the Word of God – Christ Jesus. 

To look at some who profess to be followers of the Lord does not provide an easy answer. They do not seem to be satisfied with life, have a sense of peace about them, or look forward to living each day with expectancy and joy. They appear “ordinary.” They give the world the wrong impression of what God has to offer us through His Son. 

The first Psalm provides the “do’s” and “do not’s” to “go beyond” the ordinary Christian and become an extraordinary Christian. 

Negatively, the extraordinary Christian does not follow the advice of the wicked, spend time talking to them, or listening to their advice, and even avoids being in their presence whenever possible. 

Positively, the extraordinary Christian takes pleasure in honoring God, following His teachings, and being obedient to His Word. 

The extraordinary Christian is always seeking ways to grow into the likeness of Christ, to follow His teachings, and to worship and serve Him daily. 

Prayer: Help us, Heavenly Father, to willingly make any and every sacrifice that is necessary to become all that we can become in You and through You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. 

Scripture For Today: But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night. Psalm 1:1-4