Some members of the Lord’s church are often discouraged because they feel that they are not good enough. Actually, a sense of inadequacy is a good attitude to have, as long as it is held in the proper perspective (Luke 17:10). We should never feel complacent as Christians and should always strive to be better today than we were yesterday and better tomorrow than we are today (I Cor. 10:12). But sometimes Christians try to hold themselves to a standard that cannot be realistically met and thus are needlessly discouraged (Acts 15:10).

While the apostle Paul is certainly to be emulated (I Cor. 11:1), as are those who follow his example (Phil. 3:17), very few of us, if any at all, will ever attain to the level of intensity that he had as an apostle of the Lord. Not all of us can travel the globe preaching the gospel, as did Paul. While many faithful brethren do engage in tireless efforts for the Cause of Christ, I am certain that most would humbly admit that they compare unfavorably to the apostle in every respect. Very likely none of us have received 39 stripes once, much less five times, or have been beaten with rods or spent a day and a night in the deep in the service of our King, as did Paul (II Cor. 11:25). But the truth is, we do not have to do all these things to be faithful to the Lord. We can be a Christian right where we are!

While I may not be able to travel the globe preaching the gospel to those in darkness and stand before kings and dignitaries (Acts 9:15), I can teach the people I meet every day who need the Light of Life. I can find ways of talking to others about Christ in my every-day conversations with my family, friends, co-workers and individuals I meet along the way.

While I may not be chained and imprisoned in dank and dark dungeons for preaching Jesus (however, watch out, this may come sooner than you might think), I may be rejected by others simply because I live my life according to the Will of God (Matt. 5:1-12). For instance, a boss may not promote me even though I am worthy because he does not like Christians or associates may mercilessly tease me about my faith.

While I may not wield great influence around the brotherhood and my name may not be a household name among the faithful, I can wield influence by my example to those who see me every day (Matt. 5:13-16). When I am tempted to cheat to get ahead at work, I can choose the honest way. When I am tempted to be angry at some wrong perpetrated against me, I can be even tempered (Matt. 5:43-48).

While I am may not have the time to devote hours of study in God’s word, or while I may never become a renowned Bible scholar and pen notable volumes that receive world acclaim, I can study to show myself approved unto God, rightly dividing the word of truth (II Tim. 2:15). I can know what I must do to be saved and teach others the same, simple truth.

My salvation does not depend on being better than some other Christian, only in being a faithful Christian. There will always only be one Noah, one Abraham, one Moses, one Joshua, one David, one Isaiah, one Jeremiah, and only one Peter and only one Paul. While I admire and follow their example of faith, I cannot be them. I have found that I am better at being myself than anyone else and that is all I need to do, as long as I am genuinely trying to follow the Lord.

Now some may feel inadequate because they do not try to do what they know they ought. That is sin (James 4:17). But Paul said there was a crown laid up for him because he fought a good fight, finished the course and kept the faith (II Tim. 4:8). John said, “hereby we do know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments” and His commandments are not grievous (I John 2:3; 5:3). Jesus said, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30).

Just be a Christian where you are.

Eric L. Padgett