Sometimes, when conducting a memorial service, I eulogize the deceased by drawing attention to the fact that he or she lived and ordinary life, extraordinarily. On just such an occasion, I was once asked, "What's wrong with being average?" Well, there's nothing wrong with being average, if that's your best; if average is all you can be and you're not a Christian.

If you are a Christian, you must strive to glorify God by developing your life-potential to the fullest extent. Dare to live the destiny He designed for you and I'll guarantee it will always be better than average.

Let me explain. First, to rise above the commonality of an average life, you need a little more determination than those around you. Emerson said, "A man is a hero not because he is braver than anyone else, but because he is brave for ten minutes longer." To rise above mediocrity, you must dig in a little deeper, when others throw up their hands and quit.

Secondly, you need a little more faith than the average person. Our world is quite often cold, callused and cruel. There are many hurts, disappointments and trials. An extra measure of faith in God, others and yourself will help you rise above the crowd. John Maxwell writes, "When you possess that faith, you'll be used of God to light the path of those who stumble, encourage the hearts of those who faint, relieve the load of those whose burdens are heavy, and plant a song in the heart of those who are sad. When you do these things, you're far above average!"

Finally, if you would be better than average, you need a little more love. All around you is a society, plagued by loneliness. People are languishing for lack of genuine love. A missionary nurse was dressing a patient's leprous wounds, when a tourist said, "I wouldn't do that for a million dollars." The medical missionary smiled and said, "Neither would I." For her it was not the pay, but God's love that moved stirred her heart to serve.

If you're a Christian, you're not average. God has already given you more determination, faith, and love than those around you.

Make Today Count,