Christ calls us to live an “above average” life; a life of influence and impact. The reality is average, status-quo, ordinary living doesn’t inspire others to follow Christ more closely. Radical, above-average, extraordinary living does! I don’t know about you, but at times this has been a challenge for me! Average seems so comfortable, so appealing, so safe. Not to mention, it’s what everyone else is doing, so it makes life easier…or so it seems.

However, we learn from Isaiah:

“If you are willing and obedient you will eat the good of the land” (Isaiah 1:9)

My question for you today is: Are you willing to be above average? If you want to reach others and change your world, the answer needs to be yes.

To be above average, you must:

• Do what others won’t

Have you ever heard someone say, Oh I would never do that? I have. Many times, in fact. Often that is a sign that I am on the right track. To live—and serve—in an above average way means you are willing to do what others won’t. Don’t let this bother or intimidate you! Recognize that every leader faces the same challenge, starting with Jesus. He certainly could have settled for an average lifestyle, but He chose to lay down His life to fulfill His purpose.

• Create productive habits

Leaders choose what to do with their time, their health, their desires and appetites, and their words and thoughts. One of my favorite verses is Ephesians 5:15-16 “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the most of the time….” Our time and energy needs to be fruitful, not frivolous. We all have areas of life that are uncultivated and unfruitful. Often all it takes is for a seed to be planted and we can turn that around.

• Refuse to live an average lifestyle

Average people (and leaders) don’t stop to examine what they are doing. Often, they live by their emotions and take the path of least resistance. To be above average, you may need to watch less TV, read more books, set goals (and be accountable to reach them), take care of your health, eat better, exercise more, forgive, encourage, and take more risks…than the average person! Of course, this also means you get to see God do more in and through you than the “average” person might.

Are you ready to be above average? I hope the answer is yes, because that means you will be able to reach more people with the love and encouragement of Christ, and lead them to grow and mature into His image. That is worth the inconvenience of letting go of the status quo…