Let’s face it: The Bible calls its readers to deliberate action. Part of me wishes that it didn’t. There’s something comfortable in pretending that we live in shades of gray. The post-modernists would have you believe that there is really is such a thing as moral neutrality. But, alas, in the light of the Scriptures, things are not so gray and not imaginarily neutral.

Elijah’s confrontation with the priests of Baal on Mount Carmel is not – by far – the only instance of a call to a life decision in the Bible – although that occasion was certainly a unique type of altar call. Elijah challenged the pretending-to-be-neutral-and-tolerant onlookers, “How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow Him: but if Baal, then follow him.” (1 Kings 18:21 KJV) Sadly, the rest of the verse tells us that “the people answered him not a word” (although they did eventually respond to a mountain top experience).

The Proverbs instruct us, “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in the power of your hand to do so.” (Prov. 3:27 NKJV). Similarly, St. James informs us that “to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.” (James 4:17 NKJV). Just when I start thinking that I need to improve myself, the Apostle Paul reminds me there’s technically no “myself” to be concerned about: “He [Jesus] died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.” (2 Cor. 5:15). Jesus Himself said, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” (Matt 16:24; Luke 9:23 KJV).

These things considered, it is clear that neither the Bible, nor its Author, celebrate mediocrity. It is no wonder that I often find myself woefully inadequate as a Christian, let alone a disciple. The very fact that I am considering my own estate illustrates to me just how far off of the mark that I usually am. If you’re wondering when I’m going to get to the encouraging part, you may be disappointed. Sometimes it just sinks in that – even though I’m not a rapist nor a swindler ­– I am still a miserable, despicable wretch next to the decidedly holy life that Bible calls me to. God’s grace truly is amazing.

“And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” – Luke 18:13,14 NJV