One of Many

I’ve recently discovered that there is great freedom in being ordinary.

I should probably preface this by saying that I do believe we are all unique creations, chosen and dearly loved by God (Col. 3:12). But truth is so often distorted by sin, and this is something I’m continually finding evidence of in my own life.

Each of us are one off creations, fact. But pride and vanity can mean that being unique becomes being more special than others. Being chosen by God (to be part of his body) becomes being set apart, lifted out, destined for a “higher” purpose. And the gifts He’s given me become personal abilities that can qualify and validate selfish expectations.

But none of these things bring life. Instead, being “special” isolates, unrealistic expectations bring disappointment and reaching for lofty destinies means the present, everyday, is never good enough.

I often wonder how my Western mindset impacts upon the way I relate to God; not least its individualistic, “me, me, me” culture. I know I have personalised Jesus but the Bible does not teach me to call him my “personal Saviour”. It’s just not in the text! And the cross, somewhere I’ve always seen as a private place where I could go and receive comfort and forgiveness, was actually a public space and purposefully so. I recently had the cross described to me as a “communal shower” and I found this gave me an extremely releasing picture. It is a place where I am washed clean but I am not alone. I am surrounded by many others, each special and unique but with the same need for Jesus. To see myself as one of many gave me a great sense of freedom. Just as my need was no different, my sin was no more or less forgiveable than anyone else. I was not and am not a “special” case. I’m perfectly ordinary and it’s wonderful!