There are sports and, then, there are sports that border on the extreme–sports that make us shudder to think what might happen if we were to muster up the courage to participate in them. The thrill of pushing the limits of human endurance and coordination has driven the popularity of extreme sports in our day. However, most of us are content to sit in the stands or watch from the comfort of our recliner as others dare the unimaginable.
Likewise, living for Jesus is an adventure that many have reduced to a spectator sport. We watch intently as certain ones among us undertake monumental tasks in the name of the Lord. We are excited to hear their reports and vicariously experience the thrill of what the Lord is accomplishing in their lives. We do not push ourselves beyond what is comfortable, preferring instead to watch from the comfort of our padded pews.
But, the life of faith pushes the limits of what we can do or think through the power that works within us (Eph. 3:20-21). We rely not on the power of our own strength or intellect but on the faith that is in Christ Jesus (2 Cor. 5:7; Ph. 4:13). God never intended for us to rest on the laurels of past accomplishments or abide in the safety of what feels familiar. Being a Christian calls us to the extreme–from counting the cost of discipleship to fulfilling the Great Commission. It is all out there on the edge in a direction calling for utmost commitment and trust.
In Christ, even the ordinary becomes extraordinary. In his letter to the Thessalonians, Paul says, “Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Th. 5:16-17). Serving the Lord is about pushing the boundaries of service to the extreme. Observe the extremes to which every Christian is called in this passage:
1. “Rejoice always.” Even on the darkest day, there are blessings to count. In keeping our focus on Christ and His return, the shadows of life will always remain behind us.
2. “Pray without ceasing.” We are admonished to be constant in prayer. Jesus said that we should “at all times…pray and not lose heart” (Lk. 18:1).
3. “In everything give thanks.” Rejoice, pray, and be thankful. That is about as practical a formula for living an abundant life as can be found anywhere.
The inspired apostle did not merely say, “Rejoice, pray, and be thankful.” Instead, he pushed each of these commands to the extreme by adding powerfully descriptive words. Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. Give thanks in everything. Push it to the limit. Live on the edge. Enjoy God’s peace (Ph. 4:4-7). For God keeps every promise through Christ (2 Cor. 1:20).