Not the Status Quo

“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for them that love Him.”

1 Corinthians 2:9

Life is often a difficult struggle, but in our resourcefulness we quickly find ways to compensate – to create an equilibrium or status quo where we can live without noticing the frustration or pain. This is a survival technique, essential at times in our lives. But to stay in survival mode is not living, but merely surviving – just getting by. This is not the kind of life Jesus was referring to when He said: “I came that they might have life, and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10)

Many, if not all, of life’s challenges are opportunities for faith and growth. But we are so easily satisfied. How many times have we told ourselves (or God) that we’re OK with how things are – there is no need to shake things up. How often do we think that our lives should be easy, without major difficulties or challenges? How much of our energy is given to the fight to protect what we have: to maintain the status quo? How often do we resist change – because of fear or laziness?

We can struggle to maintain (or resign ourselves to) the status quo, and justify it by telling ourselves this is good enough. We can even sound “spiritual” by quoting Paul: “… for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.” (Philippians 4:11) But Paul also said: “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14)

One thing that I have become convinced of: no matter how good my life seems to be at the time, the status quo is not OK. Yes, be happy with the present, but what I am living in and experiencing today is not good enough for tomorrow. In other words, I’m thankful to be here, but not content to stay. There is more, and I want it. I’m not talking about fame and fortune or all the material stuff most of the world anxiously seeks, but about the stuff real life is made of: the things that 1 Corinthians 2:9 (at the top of this page) is referring to. In 2 Peter 1:3-4 it says: “…seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.”

I obviously don’t have all of this yet, and I want it. (I’ve received just enough to know that I want more, much more.) But it will not be given to me if I am content to stay where I am. It will require walking by faith, and faith is not comfortable. Faith requires risk, and a willingness to walk away from the status quo. Only by stepping out in faith can we begin to see and experience the best that God has for us.