Normal is something that we all fall into. We find that we want to wear certain types of clothes to fit in and look normal. We act certain ways or do certain things so that others think we’re normal. We take on the attitudes and thinking of those around us so that we seem normal.
Normal is the goal for most people. They don’t want to be perceived by others as weird, or be made fun of, so they act normal. This devotion isn’t going to tell you to do something weird like stand on your lunch table and scream at the top of your lungs to the entire cafeteria, but it is going to address some common misconceptions about normal in our lives.
- Normal is good.
Many people believe that normal is good. That fitting in is what we should do and that we shouldn’t stick out or make a scene at school or our job. And that is mostly true. It is important that we act within the rules of society. However, what happens when normal says that making fun of someone is okay? Do you go along with everyone who is making fun of someone? Or do you stand up for them? What if normal says that having sex before marriage is okay? Do you go along with everyone else? Or do you do something that isn’t normal? There are times in our lives when normal just isn’t cutting it. As a Christian, you may be called upon to stand up for what you believe in. By doing that, you won’t be doing what others think is normal.Ephesians 4:32 “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”
- Normal is the goal.
Lots of people strive to be normal. They want to wear what is normal, say what is normal, and do what is normal. If others think they’re normal then they’ve got it made.Normal however, isn’t the goal. You’ll never find happiness or fulfillment in just being normal. Life with God is a fun adventure, and God calls us to greater things than just fitting in and being normal.This resurrection life you received from God is not a timid, grave-tending life. It’s adventurously expectant, greeting God with a childlike “What’s next, Papa?” – Romans 8:15 (MSG)
- Normal will get me where I need to go.
Many people believe that normal will get them where they need to go in life. They believe that they will be rich, successful, and have a great life if they just do what’s normal.While you may get a lot of those things by being normal, its really important to be open to God’s leading and out of the box thinking. Many people who have really made an impact on their world have done things that were not normal!
[Tweet “Jesus calls us to live differently. We are to be full of life and focused on Him! – @studentdevos”]
Lots of people have tried normal, but normal isn’t working. Normal means you’re poor, you’re being mean to your brother and sister, and you’re living defeated. Jesus pulls us out of that life. He tells us that we don’t have to live a normal life. We can choose to put normal aside and live out of what the Bible says. We can live a life full of adventure, and making a difference in the lives of others.