As a species, we are quite enamored with those that break the shackles of what would largely be considered normal, mundane behavior. There are no lack of movies and television programs dedicated to the exploits of those that go beyond the status quo, those that either expend the necessary effort or are accidentally thrust into the realm of the extraordinary. Or subordinary, as the case may be. Simone Biles is appropriately lauded as a great gymnast, most likely the greatest of all time. On the other end of the spectrum, consider the all but anonymous athletes that have given themselves to a slightly less noble endeavor, the “Running Of The Urinals”. Before sanity and members of the law enforcement community reined it in, this event broke out in the infield of the Preakness, an arguably more obscure annual contest involving horses or something. Those that dared had to traverse a rather daunting course, all the while avoiding hurled projectiles and derisive shouts intended to keep the runner from the victory laurels, which were never actually decided upon. Aside from hits and comments on YouTube videos, no one remembers these heroes who most likely went back to their congressional internships or law practices. Or perhaps moved to Florida, where such behavior would be commonplace
Anytime we see or hear of the few that have attempted or accomplished noteworthy or exceptional fetes, it can be assumed that they were influenced by something or someone outside of themselves, either human or spiritual, environmental or circumstantial. I would dare posit that more than a few of the urinal runners were under the influence of an alcoholic beverage or ten, and told an associate “hold my beer” before climbing atop a portable toilet. Because this isn’t a well researched treatise and I’m too lazy to find out, I can only speculate that the skids on which bad decisions slide are most often greased by mind altering substances.
To greater or lesser degrees, we are continuously being swayed by the myriad of influences around us. These can be relational, environmental, circumstantial, and most importantly spiritual. As men of God, we need to be transformed by the renewing of our minds; the default is conformity to the world’s influences (Rom. 12:1-2).
What, or who, is conditioning and preparing you to live out your life of faith?
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Stand On Firmer Ground