In the philosophy of science, there’s a principle that suggests “there is nothing special about Earth and, consequently, the human race.” Known as the “Principle of Mediocrity,” it has been a cornerstone in scientific thought for centuries, particularly since the revelation that Earth is not the center of the universe, but merely a small part of an immense cosmos. This principle has humbled our understanding of our place in the universe.
However, as Christians, we must be cautious not to internalize this concept in a way that diminishes our sense of purpose and value in God’s plan. When we fail to recognize that we are indeed special in God’s eyes and that He has chosen each of us for specific roles in His kingdom, we fall into a spiritual form of mediocrity. This can happen when we doubt our worth, compare ourselves unfavorably to others, or feel inadequate in our talents and abilities.
British writer Gilbert Keith Chesterton once remarked, “Mediocrity is being in front of greatness and not realizing it.” This form of mediocrity blinds us to the greatness of God’s purpose in our lives, making our service neither relevant nor effective. We embrace mediocrity when we believe the lie that we are too insignificant, too limited, or too ordinary to make a difference or leave an impact.
Mediocrity in the Christian context can also manifest when we focus solely on either the spiritual or the practical aspects of our faith, neglecting the holistic approach that Jesus exemplified. This imbalance can hinder our effectiveness in living out and sharing our faith; we become like a puzzle with missing pieces, incomplete and challenging to understand.
Psalm 139 is a beautiful reminder of our individual significance to God. It encourages us to recognize that God’s eyes are upon our lives, affirming that we are indeed special. We are called to embrace the truth that God created us for important purposes and that He trusts in us to fulfill them.
To every Christian, I extend the message of a song often sung in fellowship, which beautifully encapsulates this sentiment: “You are capable of moving forward; you are capable of reaching the goal; God made you, He knows you, and He knows… that you are capable.” This message is a call to step out of the shadows of mediocrity and into the light of God’s purpose for our lives, embracing our unique roles in His grand design.