30-9: What Is Normal Isn't Normal, But It Is

Finding normal is hard.

There is "normal" by the world's standards and "normal" by the church's standards.

And then there is church leadership.

#1: If you are a Christ follower, you will never be normal by the world's standards.

#2: Also, if you are a Christ follower, you shouldn't be considered normal by the world's standards.

#3: And, if you are in leadership, your "normal" is viewed, discussed and seen by many.

So...some times being a leader isn't fair because you can't even be normal within the church. Because people know you, they unknowingly hold you to a higher standard. And, in all honestly, leaders should be held to a higher standard because they ARE leaders.

But (insert whiny voice) it isn't fair! I just want to be normal and make normal mistakes like everyone else and not have them scrutinized!

Ah, there lies the rub. If you enter into leadership, you enter into a very visible role. You know that people know you. You know that they will see you at the store or driving down the street. You are putting yourself into that position. I'll admit that it definitely helps you to try to keep yourself in line. But that's not why we should be trying to be good.

We, as leaders, are just like you. We poop, we drink beer (well....I don't like beer, but I like Redd's Strawberry Ale, which I think can count in my case), we say bad words when somebody scares us, we road rage, we spank our children, we fight with our spouses. We are not perfect. We are not meant to lead by perfection. We lead by example. When we make a mistake, we learn from it while everyone is watching.

All Christians, not just leaders, should lead by example too. We are supposed to be the city on a hill, shining light into the darkness. However, we feel the call of the world and we want to be normal. Why can't we just cuss out the car next to us when they cut us off? They were in the wrong, not us! Why can't we watch pornography in our own home? It's not like we're cheating on our spouse. Why can't we go out and get drunk? I had a bad day and I just want to relax.

So, in all, what is normal to the world SHOULD NOT be normal to Christ followers, but it is normal because it is what surrounds us each and every day, everywhere we go.

AND, what is normal to Christ followers SHOULD NOT be normal to the word, but it is normal because it is what we are taught in order to shine the light of Jesus.

For example, tonight I was trying to normal in a different "normal" environment. And it was a struggle! At times I felt uncomfortable and awkward. Other times I enjoyed myself. What was it? It was a movie! Just a fictional movie! The reality of it was almost too real at times and that bothered me. What is so widely accepted in the world to be that funny is sad. Since when did cheering for the jilted wife to sleep with the hot widower become something good? Since when did purposefully going out to find someone to sleep with become funny?

I don't want the world's normal to be my normal, but because I am a sinner, I will always fall short of the grace of God. Thank goodness He loves me no matter what and forgives me when I make mistakes, which is every day. EVERY. DAY. Errday. And every day is a new day.