CONNECTING POINT: Mediocracy at its Finest

Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, otherwise known as gentiles (those outside of Judaism), cautions against being mediocre. We must keep in mind the context of the first-century church and its blending of cultures. For previous centuries, the Jewish people considered themselves “the people of God,” but with the accomplished work of the resurrected Jesus and the expansion of his church, nations were being grafted into God’s plan of salvation. Jesus came for the entire world. Especially for Jewish leaders, it brought about a decline for this minority church. However, one result was that Judaism became more narrow-minded toward “outsiders.” For there to be unity in Christ, Paul, a zealous Jewish Pharisee, confronted this mindset. Today, we see his success. He was a great communicator.

Rather than supporting mediocre religiosity, Paul enthusiastically advocated a strong relationship with Christ and with each other. Relationship is a central focus of Christianity and one of the top priorities throughout the New Testament. Jesus came to break those barriers that cultures inevitably build up. This is life in Christ.

Here’s food for thought: First, manmade religious traditions are useless. Judaism became so mediocre and shallow that circumcision of males of all things turned into a sacred cow, somehow becoming the criterion for citizenship in heaven. Rites, rituals, and excessive tradition can quickly turn into man’s idea of working for salvation versus the Biblical principle of grace through simple faith. Indeed, circumcision beyond a medical procedure was symbolic of control for Jewish leaders. However, when that symbolism became interpreted as a universal truth for all people and all time, the train derailed and gave rise to a confusing sense of law and order. This mindset had become stilted in time.

Secondly, Jesus paid the price on the cross for everyone. Paul said it. “Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called “uncircumcised” by those who call themselves “the circumcision” (which is done in the body by human hands)—remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.” (Ephesians 2:11-13). This was the primary bone of contention in the 1st century for the Jew; somehow, they couldn’t grasp God’s love for the whole world and not just one nation.

Finally, Jesus equals peace. Jesus doesn’t simply give peace, He is peace! “For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility.” (Ephesians 2:14-16). The church, as designed by God, is a hospital for all people groups; hostility meets its match when one finds Jesus.

In a world that still clamors for peace today, dear friends, please know that true peace is only found in Jesus Christ. Discover joy and purpose in Christ, and don’t settle for mediocracy.