An Ordinary Ministry

Over the past two weeks, we have witnessed some extraordinary feats in athletics at the 2024 Olympics. The ultimate goal for the athletes is not just to compete, but to win a medal. Katie Ladecky, Scottie Scheffler, Simone Biles, and Ryan Crouser are just a few names that won gold medals for their outstanding efforts in Paris. These are extraordinary athletes but how would we determine what an extraordinary Christian looks like, or should the extraordinary be ordinary?

First Timothy was written by Paul to the young minister Timothy, serving at Ephesus at the time. The book of First Timothy addresses Paul's testimony, praying for governing leaders, qualifications for elders and deacons, warnings about those who would leave the faith, instructions about various groups within the church including widows, and instructions about how to address false teachers. Paul however stops right in the middle of the letter to give some loving, pastoral direction to Timothy.

Paul's admonition to Timothy seems to be an extraordinary expectation for the everyday life of a believer. Maybe the extraordinary life is just the way an ordinary Christian serves and lives for Christ.