Valuing The Ordinary

Saturday August 26, 2023

One of the most remarkable aspects of the 12-Step movement founded by Alcoholics Anonymous is the emphasis on ordinary people – even broken and pretty much washed-up folks. These are the ones who can serve others well and be the support strugglers need as they find their way to sobriety and the life they were created to live. Twelve step organizations are not run by professionals. Central offices may employ special workers but the heart and soul of what goes on is done by ordinary people helping ordinary individuals stand up and move forward in their lives.

But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. (James 3:17 NLT)

God’s way of life for everyone is humility and down-to-earth loving and serving. We are called to follow the example of Jesus who had all the glory of heaven and yet laid it all down to come to earth to live among us.

Jesus was born in humble circumstances – a stable. He grew up in a humble town – people asked this of Jesus’ hometown, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” (John 1:46 NLT) Jesus did not own any property and was homeless. He lived as an ordinary man so He could demonstrate how much God loves us and how powerfully God can use us when we surrender our will and our life into His care.

God wants to give us eyes to see the hidden value in an ordinary life, even a broken one. God wants us to operate with grace as we help others gather up the broken pieces of their lives and offer those seemingly useless bits to Jesus, so He can restore the masterpiece God created. We need to work together with others, acting with humility and gentleness, valuing everyone, because only God knows how to transform us into useful vessels designed for His purpose.

For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. (Ephesians 2:10 NLT)

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to have the same humility that Jesus did and to value ordinary people in ordinary circumstances. Help me to see the beauty of their lives as we serve and support one another in the loving relationship You intended us to have. Amen

Valuing The Ordinary

Audio for Valuing The Ordinary

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