Mediocrity - Introduction - The Prolification
The greatest enemy facing our nation and culture today is the practice and ultimate prolification of mediocrity. It is everywhere we look and even though it is often called by other names, it is really just plain old mediocrity. We see it in the lack of vision that has caused our energy crisis and in our out of control debt which has been caused by a lack of restraint. I (and all of us) could go on and on about the rapid and now consequential rise of the mediocre. What is sad is that when less than average behavior and thinking invades leadership, it is passed on to the masses. To prolificate is to reproduce at levels that involve DNA and genetics with generational reprocution's. Spiritually, this is deeper than just procreation, it is the influence of character that changes everything. It carries the impact of the original source from the old to the young and from the leader to the follower. Prolification is about the authentic transfer of who we really are from one generation to the next.
To battle this epidemic of mediocrity we need examples of sacrificial excellence. Revolutionary change is needed in this war for our future and it is time that the church recognizes its place in the battle. Many are involved in sin because of dissatisfaction that flows out of a boring lifestyle that they were taught by their parents and leaders. This issue is the real enemy among us because so many other things grow from its roots. When we stop progessing, the influence of our lives does not stop but it does change. We can unconsciously teach others that "position" is everything because there you can rest on your past and simply enjoy life. We must not allow weariness to stop us from paying the price of greatness. Meticulous and childlike obedience and even curiosity should exist in the hearts and minds of us who are influencer's. This is in full recognition that the transfer of what we represent will happen faithfully even if we are not faithful.
My son is reading a book called "Do the hard things" (see on list to the right) that was written by a teenager. It is a cry against the prolification of mediocrity that that has created such low expectation in our youth. He recently shared with me that he was tired of being celebrated by others for being such a good student/person. He talked about the low "bars" that he so easily jumps over and how God has been pushing him to raise the standard. Many Christian adults do not even process themselves this way and I believe thier lack of desire for growth is totally against Christ-like thinking. My 16 year old is setting short and long term goals and challenging the insecurities of his young life. This teaching series is meant confirm that same looming desire in each of us for something more, something better.....
This weekend I am at 1ST A/G church in Iolo KS. This is a little out of the way town in south east Kansas that Jesus loves. I have a long friendship with their great young Pastor and I am enjoying spending time with my good friend. We have had two powerful services and we run through Monday night. This next weekend I speak at the Southern Idaho District Christan Workers conference. I will also be with two great Churches on Sunday morning and Sunday night. More reports on my travels in the next few days.
