I am 5 feet, 11 and 1/2 inches tall. And that is the story of my life.
For men - or maybe I should only speak for myself - being 6 feet tall feels like a significant threshold. And I never met it. My children remind me periodically that I used to claim 6 feet - and I did. That was my tall tale. A particular nurse garnished me with the cherished title, but she was either rounding up or simply failed to discount the half inch attributable to the sneakers on my feet. So I admit…I am only 5 feet, 11 and 1/2. (I guess the half is similar to children who add 1/2 to their age. You’re almost the next number and you’re way removed from the previous one. So it helps just a bit in the ego department.)
In most ways, I am an exceedingly average guy. I do many things, but in an average way. I play the guitar and write songs, I even record them, but I’ve never won an award for it, and likely never will. I’ve never filled an auditorium. I usually receive tepid ovations - but that could be because I often play for Presbyterians who turn tepid into cool. But I can’t blame it on my Presbyterian brethren, truth be told, my music notoriously arouses introspection, if not a deep depression.
I’m an OK athlete - but my football friends remind me that I was just a punter. Even if you punt the ball better than anyone else, in the football world, you’re still average. And no expert has ever brandished a punter - an athlete. You’ll not find many cocky punters…not many of their teammates would allow it…no reporters sticking microphones in their faces…no body asking for their autograph.
I’ve always been an average student, an average preacher, an average photographer…just fill in the blank, I can probably be counted on to do it in an average way. And so, even though I know it is wrong to do so, I nevertheless find myself envying the abilities and talents of others.
There are some things that I’ve developed a reputation for being really good at, like fighting my way through traffic, but I don’t think it is especially good to be talented at that. I’ve mastered the art of selfishness, among many other vulnerabilities I’m too embarrassed to reveal, but none of these superior traits are to my credit.
Perhaps, you can identify with me. Perhaps you find yourself envying the talents of others in their spheres. Maybe you’re an engineer and have been successful, but you know some other engineers whose skills tower over yours. Maybe you’re a businessman, and you’ve had some success, but you’ve never come close to reaching your goals. Maybe you’re a stay at home Mom, but your best friends mini-van is plastered with bumper stickers highlighting their honor role kids. For all of you, my friends - those of you who do average in the most excellent way - there is some really good news that I’m eager to share. Just hang on. I’m getting around to the main point.
First, did you know that pastors play the envy game too? I recently met a person who admitted that he possessed a "man crush" for Tim Keller. Tim Keller is a Presbyterian Pastor in Manhattan, NY who exudes excellence and intellect. There are an abundance of contemporary pastors in my denomination that envy his towering gifts. Many folks order his tapes, name their churches after his and spend their down time with fellow pastor friends talking about him. And if you’ve never heard of him - attend at least three or so of those churches - and you will. At least one of the pastors is likely to be re-preaching his material.
I on the other hand respect Tim a great deal, but have never envied his gifts. Tim is really smart. I mean REAL smart. But I’ve never desired that particular burden. And I never wanted to embarrass myself by trying to create the impression that I was a man of his intellectual caliber. Most persons with at least an average intelligence and who know me well would know I was faking it.
The truth is many of us succumb to the the thought that it is only the highly talented who can make a difference - those who are gifted that can change the world. But this is not the case. In fact, Jesus did not recruit highly talented people. He took average people, just like you and me, and taught them how to live radical lives. And through these average people, Jesus turned the world upside down!
Jesus himself suprisingly did not appear to be an extraordinarily talented person. Or at least the Bible doesn’t make record of his special talents. But his life continues to be the most historically and redemptively important human life ever lived.
And the lifestyle that Jesus calls us to, is in fact the stuff that changes the world. And that lifestyle is not limited by the lack of talent, nor is it especially enhanced by talents either.
So there is good news for the average person out there - good news for those who are devoid of incredible talent. YOU TOO can play a big role in the building of His Kingdom. Suffice it to say for the time being that we - the average person - can make a tremendous impact in the Kingdom of Christ by making ourselves willing to take the radical step of simply following Jesus. For when we come to a true understanding of what that means - to follow Him - we’ll find our lives becoming anything but average! And in the eyes of those that really matter, we’ll be standing taller than we could ever thought possible.
I hope you are all deeply encouraged and walking with Him!
Keep praying for us in New Orleans and for my travels. I’ll send out a detailed update on my activities soon.
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