It is ingrained in us that we have to do exceptional things for God—but we do not. We have to be exceptional in the ordinary things of life, and holy on the ordinary streets, among ordinary people—and this is not learned in five minutes..." All of God’s people are ordinary people who have been made extraordinary by the purpose He has given them. -Oswald Chambers
The idea a being exceptional in the sight of God is an honorable and noble thing to achieve for those whom believe. Some of us think that achieving this feat requires us to go above and beyond the call of duty--when in fact it doesn't at all. It requires us to be exceptional in the ordinary things of life--the things we take for granted and look over because they are ordinary and plain. Are we exceptional only at Friday prayer, Sunday service or Wednesday bible study? Unfortunately for many believers we exhibited our exceptional behavior only when in front of the camara to sort of speak. But it's when the camara is off--whom and what we truly are as believers of Almighty God!
The walk of the righteous is not filled with the pretentious behavior that some of us tend to display as followers of God. Jesus (PBWH) said it best "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me." WOW! A life in service to Almighty God is plain and simple but yet exceptional in that it is a life that totally deviates from the norm of what is deemed as exceptional in this world. The world has its set of rules and God has His--which one do you choose? Service in the sight of God is a daily operation for the the steadfast believer, he/she never waivers in their duty for they are always on their post!
Dear Father, above grant me the foresight and understanding to always be consciousness of my duty to serve you. Keep my thoughts, actions, and behavior consistent not just in times when I think the camara is on me but when no one is looking. Help me to be an constant and exceptional example like Jesus and all the prophets whom you have sent in your name. To God be the Glory! Amen!
Scriptural and Literary Support:
I will break down your stubborn pride and make the sky above you like iron and the ground beneath you like bronze. -Leviticus 26:19 NIV
He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way. -Psalm 25:9 NIV. For the LORD takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with salvation. -Psalms 149:4 NIV
The arrogance of man will be brought low and the pride of men humbled; the LORD alone will be exalted in that day, -Isaiah 2:17 NIV
Seek the LORD, all you humble of the land, you who do what he commands. Seek righteousness, seek humility; perhaps you will be sheltered on the day of the LORD's anger. -Zephaniah 2:3 NIV
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. -Matt 11:29 NIV. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, "Who then can be saved?" Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." -Matt 19:26 NIV
But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. -Jude 1:20 NIV
And seek assistance through patience and prayer, and most surely it is a hard thing except for the humble ones, Who know that they shall meet their Lord and that they shall return to Him. (2:45,46) Al Quran
"And remember your Lord by your tongue and within yourself, humbly and with fear and without loudness in words, in the mornings and in the afternoons, and be not of those who are neglectful.'' (7:205) Al Quran
Surely (as to) those who believe and do good and humble themselves to their Lord, these are the dwellers of the garden, in it they will abide. (11:23) Al Quran
And whatever creature that is in the heavens and that is in the earth makes obeisance to Allah (only), and the angels (too) and they do not show pride. (16:49) Al Quran
Surely the men who submit and the women who submit, and the believing men and the believing women, and the obeying men and the obeying women, and the truthful men and the truthful women, and the patient men and the patient women and the humble men and the humble women, and the almsgiving men and the almsgiving women, and the fasting men and the fasting women, and the men who guard their private parts and the women who guard, and the men who remember Allah much and the women who remember -- Allah has prepared for them forgiveness and a mighty reward. (33:35) Al Quran
