Isn’t it true that we long to see the extraordinary, experience the extraordinary, do the extraordinary? Yet, so often we settle for mediocrity when greatness is within our grasp. Why are we drawn to stories of heroic triumph over seemingly impossible circumstances? Maybe it is a God-inspired longing…for the extraordinary. We were “meant for more,” extraordinarily created and intended for a life that is anything but ordinary. Isn’t it time to pursue your extraordinary life?

As Christ's body, the church is called to carry on His mission and ministry on Earth. Jesus showed compassion, mercy and justice — often taking a detour or going out of his way to minister to the needs of others. The secular world and the unsaved have taken these on as humanitarian causes, but as Christians we are also called to preach the Gospel. Demonstrating compassion, mercy and justice alone are not enough to draw people to Christ. We must preach, with words, the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ. Paul's measure of success was winning as many souls as he can to Christ, by whatever means necessary. He wasn't concerned with reputation, persecution or even death.

In 1 Corinthians 8, Paul is addressing the issue of eating food offered to idols. In the U.S. this isn't a topic we really have to face, but many Christians around the world are persecuted because of it every day. As Americans though, there is still something to be learned from these verses. Much of the American church has become idolatrous in that many come to church each Sunday for what they can get out of it, rather than giving their all to Jesus — expecting nothing in return. We put God's blessings in front of God Himself. Also, in wanting to be accepted by the world, much of the church has become like the world, rather than being transformed into the image of Christ. Today, compromise is presented as “Christian liberty” — saying, “We are strong, mature, sophisticated believers. We can handle the temptation.” We should no longer have any interest in our former associations. Instead, we should be living in full obedience to the Word of God — longing to keep our Spirit-led conscious clean, pure and holy.

In 1 Samuel 3, Scripture tells us that Saul got rid of the witches in the land but shortly after invited them back. This is often mirrored in our lives as sin is always trying to find a way back into our lives. We have to understand that we were created to be Christians and we were created to fight for this pure lifestyle. We're in a battle for our lives. Battles, though, will reveal your character and true love. Once won, the battle isn't over, but the enemy is always working on a new way to attack. Our hope is any weapon formed against us will not prosper.