From Ordinary to Outstanding

“I can’t wait until. . . .” (You fill in the blank!)

Such is the recurring theme of youth. After all, the academics and chores of daily life can seem so dull while trudging along to some higher goal. How many young people gaze pensively at the walls of a classroom, eagerly awaiting that graduation day when they can finally be free from school. . . . How many eye that handsome vehicle to be purchased someday as wheels to roll to the perfect job. . . . How many ponder that gorgeous palace to be the dream home for their newly established family. . . . The list goes on. . . .

Sure, it’s good to aim high. Yet meanwhile, the Owner of everything still declares, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof” (Matthew 6:33, 34).

As we submit to our Creator and seek to honor Him, allowing His Holy Spirit to develop His best potential in us, we will be different from the general population. Our priorities will be different. We are ordinary people in ordinary places, receiving extraordinary power from Heaven to be uniquely outstanding in this world.

Remember the prophet Daniel. He was a victim of adverse circumstances—taken captive to slavery in a heathen nation. Yet his priority to serve God made him extraordinary. In this disappointing situation, he shined forth as a slave who could be trusted. Then, instead of just being promoted to become an ordinary bureaucrat amid the infidels, through God he rose to becoming a noble statesman, highly respected and well appreciated by royalty.

Who had placed Daniel in Babylon? “Thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, unto all that are carried away captives, whom I have caused to be carried away from Jerusalem unto Babylon” (Jeremiah 29:4).

Yes, the whole scenario was in God’s hands. He allowed it. So while you “can’t wait” for that next step, seek to honor the Lord during this step, right now, here today. Honor Him in the boring little things you have to do. Cherish His holy Sabbath. Take your firm stand with the church that seeks to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. And your ordinary life of service to God and humanity will become outstanding through His glory. And life will be far richer with an eternal goal in view!