Breaking Out of the Status-Quo by Paul Mashote

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.

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