The Good And Bad Of Average

We dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves.

2 Corinthians 10:12

Everyone learns in school to compute the average of a group of numbers: add the numbers together, then divide the sum by the number of numbers added. Sometimes being average is desirable: having an average body temperature of 98.6 degrees is a good thing. But being an average weight in a culture where obesity is on the rise is a warning signal.

One place where average is definitely not acceptable is in spiritual maturity. If all the subjects in a study are totally depraved to begin with (Romans 3:10-18), then an average level of maturity is not likely to be the result you’re looking for. Scripture says we have one model to strive for on the path of spiritual maturity—and it is not average. Rather, perfection is the goal (Matthew 5:48). While attaining perfection this side of heaven will not happen, our attitude should be the same as Paul’s: striving to live without offense toward God or others. When searching for a model in this life, choose Christ. It is His likeness you have been called to reach (Romans 8:29).

Body temperature is best when it is average, but spiritual temperature is best when it’s off the chart.

The farther a man knows himself to be from perfection, the nearer he is to it.

GERARD GROOTE