In a world that often separates the sacred from the secular, we are called to recognize that our work, no matter how ordinary it may seem, has eternal significance. Through the lives of five remarkable individuals, we discover profound lessons on how to glorify God in our everyday pursuits and embrace our role as “mere Christians” in a complex world.
The Power of Presence and Unhurried Love
Imagine a man so committed to being present with others that time seemed to stand still in his company. This individual, known for his gentle demeanor and cardigan sweaters, exemplified what it means to live at a pace that allows us to both experience and extend God’s love. Rising at 4:30 am each day to pray over his schedule, he understood at a soul-deep level the belovedness he had from God – and this empowered him to pour out extravagant love on thousands.
His life challenges us to consider: How can we eliminate hurry from our lives to focus more fully on our relationship with Christ and others? Practical steps might include:
1. Budgeting extra margin into our calendars
2. Resolving to be fully present with whoever we’re with
3. Choosing the important over the urgent, even when we fail to be unhurried
As 1 Peter 2 reminds us, we are all part of a royal priesthood. Every believer, regardless of vocation, is doing God’s work in the world when we act in accordance with His commands and are empowered by His Holy Spirit.
Perseverance Through Trials and the Joy of Creation
Consider the founder of a beloved toy company who faced repeated devastating setbacks – his factory burning down multiple times, the loss of a child and spouse within days, and years on the brink of bankruptcy. Yet through it all, he echoed the words of Job: “The Lord gives, and the Lord takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.”
This man’s story reminds us that God delights not only in hard work but also in play and “senseless joy.” His perseverance through unimaginable trials, coupled with his playful spirit, led to the creation of a toy that has inspired generations of children to build, create, and imagine.
In our own lives, how can we maintain faith and even find joy in the midst of setbacks? Can we see our work – even the most seemingly mundane aspects – as an opportunity for both diligence and delight?
Confronting Injustice with Love
The story of a sharecropper turned civil rights activist offers powerful lessons on doing justice without succumbing to hatred. Despite facing false imprisonment and brutal beatings, this woman never retaliated against her enemies or engaged in public shaming. Instead, she is recorded as praying for those who persecuted her – a challenging example in our current cultural climate.
Her life embodied J.I. Packer’s wisdom that the Christian’s motto should not be “let go and let God,” but rather “trust God and get going.” She shows us how to glorify God by:
1. Confronting injustice while still loving our enemies
2. Trusting in God while hustling hard in our work
3. Believing God is creating an impact even when our efforts seem in vain
As we face our own struggles for justice, 1 Corinthians 15:58 encourages us: “Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”
Cultural Transformation Through Art and Education
A poet and educator from the 18th century demonstrates the power of using our talents to change hearts and minds on a large scale. This woman, who outsold Jane Austen 10 to 1, used her writing to expose the horrors of slavery and shift public opinion. Her efforts paved the way for legislative change, showing how cultural transformation often precedes political action.
As mere Christians, how can we use our unique gifts and platforms to address the injustices of our time? This woman’s life challenges us to refuse to isolate ourselves from the darkness of the world, but rather to insulate ourselves so that we can brave the elements and advance God’s kingdom on earth as it is in heaven.
The Powerful Witness of the ‘Mere Christian’
Finally, we encounter the story of a literature professor whose past was far from saintly – a former atheist who engaged in destructive behaviors before his conversion. Yet it was precisely because of his relatable background and “real job” that he became a powerful voice for Christianity to the masses.
This man’s life reminds us that as mere Christians, we are uniquely positioned to make disciples of Jesus Christ. In a world where religious affiliation is declining, it is often through everyday believers working shoulder to shoulder with others that the lost will hear the good news.
To embrace this role effectively, we can learn from a practice used by William Wilberforce. He kept a journal of “launchers” – a list of names of people he was trying to share the gospel with, along with conversation starters to help move from surface-level topics to spiritual matters. This simple tool can help us be more intentional in our interactions and more prepared to share our faith.
Conclusion: Embracing Our Sacred Calling
As we reflect on these extraordinary lives, we are reminded that our work – whether in education, business, activism, or any other field – matters for eternity. We are called to live at a pace that allows us to experience and extend God’s love, to persevere through trials with faith and joy, to confront injustice with love, to use our gifts for cultural transformation, and to embrace our powerful position as mere Christians to make disciples.
May we, like those who have gone before us, recognize the sacred nature of our seemingly secular work. May we glorify God fully in all we do, trusting that He is using our faithful efforts – even when they seem small or in vain – to advance His kingdom on earth as it is in heaven.
Let us go forth with renewed purpose, embracing our brokenness and allowing Christ’s redemption to shine all the brighter through our imperfect lives. For it is often through the cracks in our facades that His light shines most brilliantly into a world in desperate need of hope.
Steve & Colleen
P.S. Who are these “mere Christians”? Read the binge-worthy biographies of the folks mentioned in this blog, from our latest podcast guest, Jordan Raynor. Pre-order 5 Mere Christians.
