Sermon Central
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The Menace Of Mediocrity
Contributed by Kenneth Trent on Nov 18, 2002 (message contributor)
Summary: Widespread mediocrity threatens the advance of Christianity because it engenders a "just enough to get by" attitude in those affected by it.
THE MENACE OF MEDIOCRITY
"Now Thomas, called the Twin, one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples therefore said to him: ’We have seen the Lord.’ So he said to them, ’Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe." John 20:24-25.
Mediocrity menaces (threatens) the advance of Christianity because it engenders a "just enough to get by" attitude in those affected by it.
I. SPIRITUAL MEDIOCRITY BEGINS WITH SHALLOW FAITH.
"Thomas said to Him, ’Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way." John 14:5.
Thomas had been with Jesus for three years. He had seen the miracles and heard the teachings of Jesus yet he was unable to discern that Jesus would return to His Father and that the way to the Father was by Jesus.
II. SPIRITUAL MEDIOCRITY GROWS WITH INDIFFERENCE.
"Now Thomas, called the Twin, one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came." John 20:24.
Verses 19-23 reveal what Thomas missed: fellowship with the disciples; the joy of fellowshipping with the resurrected Christ; receiving the apostolic commission; and the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit.
Absenting oneself from the fellowship of other believers (the church) is often the result of indifference or a matter of misplaced priorities.
III. SPIRITUAL MEDIOCRITY GROWS WITH DOUBT.
“Unless I see…I will not believe.”
All of us are subject to doubting from time to time, as was true of Peter. Even though his faith in the Lord exceeded that of his fellow disciples, doubt entered into his heart to the disappointment of Jesus.
“And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, ‘O thou of little faith, why did you doubt.?” Matthew 14:31.
IV. SPIRITUAL MEDIOCRITY INSISTS ON WALKING BY SIGHT.
“And Thomas answered and said to Him, ‘My Lord and my God!’ Jesus said to him, ‘Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed, Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” John 20:28-29
V. THE CURE FOR SPIRITUAL MEDIOCRITY.
Reject a “do as little as you can and get by” philosophy. Strive for excellency in your Christian life: "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness…" Matthew 6:33.
