“Be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 15:58)

Ordinary isn’t a quality most people aspire to. Are you discontent with the daily grind of routine? Are you unsatisfied with being a member of an ordinary church, having an ordinary family, having ordinary friends, and working an ordinary job? Is there an epic accomplishment that you’re seeking, just waiting for God to give His stamp of approval? It’s hard to not be swayed by the sirens of worldly success.

But the Lord is pleased with the ordinary work of our hands. Ordinary doesn’t necessarily mean mediocre. In fact, Jesus lived His first 30 years in complete obscurity, faithful to His God, family, and friends, and increasing “in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man” (Luke 2:52).

God can and does bring His children to the fullness of Christ in the unexceptional things of life (Philippians 2:13; Ephesians 4:13). We may not be famous or extraordinary, but it should be enough to know that God values and uses those living obedient and ordinary lives for His glory. “Study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you” (1 Thessalonians 4:11).

Our Lord challenges believers to transform the world by serving Him in both our critical and mundane roles. We need to hold ourselves close to Him in all the routines of life. A renewed appreciation for the ordinary life begins with loving our Lord Jesus Christ and expressing that love by obeying His commands found in Scripture. “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever. Amen” (2 Peter 3:18). CCM