Week Thirty-Nine - Common and Uncommon

Years ago, missionary friend Larry Quade preached a message during a fellowship meeting here in England that really spoke to my heart. He had a section in his sermon comparing common faith to uncommon faith. This was the part that sent my mind racing. It was a challenge I've always remembered. The other day I came across notes from his sermon, and I'd love to walk with you through them. He said,

Common faith has you go a mile. Uncommon faith has you go two miles or more.

Common faith has you love your brothers and sisters in the Lord. Uncommon faith has you love your enemies.

Common faith has you give. Uncommon faith has you give sacrificially.

Common faith has you walking your Christian life. Uncommon faith has you run the race.

Common faith has you to pray. Uncommon faith has you praying without ceasing.

Common faith causes you to rejoice. Uncommon faith has you rejoicing always.

Common faith has you give thanks. Uncommon faith has you give thanks in everything.

Common faith wants you to refrain from evil. Uncommon faith has you refrain from "all appearance" of evil.

Even as I think through these today, I am challenged to measure my faith. Common faith takes me through each day, but uncommon faith sets my sights above. My mind floods with more comparisons. 

Bro. Quade said, "Ordinary Christians ask God why and how. The extraordinary say, it doesn't matter why or how, God said it, so I'll do it. Why be satisfied with the ordinary or common faith, when you can have the best and most satisfying faith, the faith with a difference, uncommon faith?

I want to never be satisfied with common faith. It reminds me of the portion where Jesus said, "Even the world does good to each other, but the children of God go the extra mile, give without expectation of return, love their enemies, and show respect to others" (Paraphrased, Matthew 7:40-48).

Common faith will get you by, but the true riches of Christ are only tasted by the practice of uncommon faith. On which side are you settled?