Historically, one or more persons have always
strived to break away from the circle of complacency and unsatisfactory
conditions of life. Although there is an innate desire to change in some people
but they are either hindered by self-inflicted or external whammy, while others
are not desirous to break away from unpleasant state of affairs.
The Scripture tells us that our God is
unchangeable though not static. He changes times and seasons which informs us
of His love for changes. Dan. 1:21. Also, God conveyed His desire for change
when He expressed a sore displeasure at the status-contentment of the Children
of Israel at Mount Horeb; He ordered them to move forward as they have dwelt on
that Mount too long. Deut. 1:6-7.
The record of Jesus’ conversation with the
Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well, as contained in John 4, is another rich
depository of biblical information worthy of the careful attention of anyone
who desires to break out of the status-quo. The Samaritan woman was used
to Jacob’s well whereas Jesus came to introduce her to a divine wellspring. She
was only exposed to traditional way of worshiping God on Jerusalem Mountain
while Jesus came to present a better way of worshiping God wherever you are.
From this, it is evident that God is dynamic in His ways and constantly
encouraging status-quo break-out except from His Word. Even the New Testament
of the Bible reflected breaking away from some of the shadows of the Old
Testament for if the first covenant had been faultless, there would have been
no need for a second covenant to replace it. Heb.8:7, Col. 2:16-17.
You are in this world but you are not
of this world. John 15:19
By
reason of our place of birth, domicile or family breed, we have been
conditioned to think and act in certain ways. Even our religious inclinations
might have contributed to the settings of our minds.
It
is pertinent to know that in any society, there is a status quo that is a
current standard of the most popular ways of doing, thinking, and living.
Apostle Paul understood this perfectly hence he admonished us no to imitate the
behavior and customs of this world, but we should allow God to transform us
into a new person by changing the way we think. Romans 12:2.
The status quo begins working on you from an early age, molding the way you
see the world. Even if your parents understand this and are anti-status quo,
they still can’t protect you from its far-reaching influence.This leads to the vast majority of people walking around with similar mentalities. Often times, these mentalities are antiquated, limiting, and downright absurd.
*Cue from the fathers of faith….
The father of Abraham, Terah was a zealous
idol worshiper but Abraham at the age of three years, knew that it
was foolish to worship the sun or any other idol, but that there was a
great God, who created the sun and the moon, and the whole world, who,
though Himself unseen, sees everything and knows everything, and is the real
King of the World, more powerful than Nimrod. And since that time, Abraham's
faith in God grew stronger every day thereby breaking away from the status-quo
of family idol worship. This decision made him outstanding in his generation
and relevant in this and indeed future generations! Joshua 24:22.
Breaking away from the status was made possible
in the lives of many who took the gauntlet of not scheming excuses for failure.
They never allowed parental, communal, national or even physical disabilities
to stop them from fulfilling destiny. The father of Jotham died a leper but the
young man at age 25 was never devastated instead he prepared his ways before
the Lord and God made him mighty! 2 Chro. 27:6.
Also, Jephthah refused to remain in the circle of
ignominy as result of his birth circumstance. His step brothers’ bemocked and
drove him out his fathers’ house. He relocated from seemingly pleasure zone to
a ghetto of discomfort. Jephthah eventually surpassed in excellence and became
a national celebrity! Jud.11
Daniel was another hero who decided to make a
U-TURN from being a captive to a first class President in a strange land,
Babylon. He was one of several children taken from the comfort zone of their
parents into Babylonian captivity. Daniel however dared to be different; he
determined not to join others if he could not beat them. He realized where he
was coming from and knew where he wanted to be hence his decision to live a
blameless life made him extremely outstanding! Daniel 1:8
Jesus Christ, the author of our faith further
fortified our conviction that breaking from unpleasant or generational
mediocrity is possible by not allowing what stopped others from breaking forth
in Nazareth to hinder him. "Nazareth! Can anything good come from
there?" Nathanael asked. "Come and see," said Philip. John 1:46.
Some people had attributed the cause of their failure in life to national
economic disaster while others are struggling to seek greener pastures in
perceived better countries. But, the good news is that you can turn your
family, community or national Nazareth around if only can follow Christ’s
principles. You can be the best, break new grounds and set great records which
would take long to beat if you can partner with God by walking in total
obedience to His commandments.
*How do I Break the Status-Quo?
To break the status-quo and get launched into the
deep of overflowing greatness, you must learn from those who defied obvious
limitations and environmental failures. It is also worthy of note that
aspirants of unimaginable greatness must always anticipate greater works, not
allowing anyone’s or their achievements to hinder them from attaining higher
heights or reaching the peak no one has ever reached. Making a drastic turn
from your present situation is possible if you can ruminate, meditate and act
on the following pragmatic steps-
1. Believe and Receive JESUS
God has given everyone equal opportunity to
re-write negative histories and become astonishingly outstanding in their
generation by sending His Word (Jesus Christ) into the world. Jh.3:16.
Unfortunately, countless refused in the past and many are still refusing the
dynamic ability to change their lives forever! Jh. 1:10-12.
You cannot break away from the status-quo with
your old mind which has been configured to think and act in a particular way. A
change of mind, perception, thoughts, reasoning or way of life is key to
attaining greatness in life because as a man think so is he. When you accept
Jesus into your life, the first thing He will do is to change your mind as you
can never break the chain of status-quo without a change of mindset made
available only in Jesus.
2. Take on the Strength of God
A weightlifter’s strength is defined by the
number of pounds or kilos lifted. The strength of a building is measured by its
resistance to external forces exerted by wind or earthquake. The strength of a
corporation is often defined by its net assets. Spiritual strength involves the
power to lift burdens, a foundation deep enough to resist sinful pressures, and
the security of unlimited resources.
You cannot surpass great records or set new
standards of greatness by your “common sense “ or limited strength. The race
is not to the swift or the battle to the strong, nor does food come to the wise
or wealth to the brilliant or favor to the learned…Ecc.9:11. There is
always an incomparable difference between what the strength of God can do
compare to the extent human calculations, wisdom or strength can achieve.
Is.40:31
3. Be Willing and Obedient
There are no short cuts to greatness for precept
must be upon precept and line upon line…Is. 28:10. You cannot break
away from the status-quo if you are contented and unwilling to leave your old
estate. The Bible says it only those who are WILLING, DESIROUS, EAGER, READY,
EXPECTANT AND OBEDIENT shall eat the best fruits of the land! Is.1:19. Deut.28:1
Conclusion
You should believe that breaking out of the
status-quo and living a life without boundaries or limitations is God’s plan
for His Children. You too can be a city without
walls where uncommon exploits and greater feats would be a common place! Zach.
2:5. Refuse to lean or accept excuses for past failure. You should not settle
for anything lesser than God’s Will due to physical or evil disabilities. Put
your trust in God and set your affection on the one who can make you different
indeed and affect your generation positively!
Dare to be different in your generation!
Paul Mashote, Esq.
+2348022737965
topshaddai@gmail.com
Follow @PaulMashote
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