Thursday, October 15, 2026

Bible in a Year Reading Plan: Deuteronomy 23-25 | 1 Peter 4

I hold my kids to a higher standard. To them, it can look like I'm pushing, pulling, or forcing them into what I want. 

I've told my kids and others that none of us were meant to live mediocre lives. We can all be extraordinary in our own way. However, the higher standard we place on ourselves, or the greatness we pursue, may come at a cost when we confuse being extraordinary with having an extraordinary life. One of the best examples comes from an episode of the TV medical drama, Grey's Anatomy. 

One character, Dr. Ellis Grey, measures worth through ambition, achievements, and professional greatness. Anything less is ordinary, which is an insult. She tells her daughter, Dr. Meredith Grey, "I raised you to be extraordinary, so imagine my disappointment when I … discover that you're no more than ordinary." Meredith actively used her gifts, but her mother failed to see the beauty in that, because to her, a balanced professional and personal life couldn't measure up.

The world encourages you to think that extraordinary means more. Earn more. Accomplish more. Be more. That's your legacy. Make people remember your name.

Be ambitious, but in case you missed it the first time, don't confuse being extraordinary with having an extraordinary life. And having an extraordinary life doesn't equate to the value of your bank account. In fact, Scripture says whatever is good is from God. 

James 1:17
Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.

That’s why Scripture reminds us to stop thinking about what you can gain in life, and focus on what really matters. Ultimately, it’s what you do with the life God has blessed you with. The true measure of a life well lived isn’t found in titles or wealth, but in the difference you make. Being present in a child’s life, or showing up to work with integrity and kindness, leave a bigger impact than you can imagine.

Most of us will have more Tuesdays than Saturdays, which are days that seem boring and ordinary. But with God, "You have always been and will always be extraordinary." A quiet life delivers chances to live, people to love, and opportunities to serve. God can use your well-appreciated, seemingly ordinary life for an extraordinary purpose.

Questions:
Are you pursuing the life God has called you to live, or the life others expect you to live? 

Have you become so focused on accomplishing more that you don't appreciate what God has already given you? 

What seemingly ordinary part of your life might be an extraordinary gift that you've overlooked?

Next Steps:
Define enough by deciding what matters most before chasing more. Don't sacrifice relationships, peace, and purpose for achievements you can't take with you.

Recognize what's already good by identifying three ordinary blessings you've begun to take for granted. Thank God for each one.

Prayer:
My heavenly Father, thank you for every good and perfect gift, especially the ones I've overlooked. Help me to pursue greatness without losing sight of your goodness. Teach me to recognize enough, appreciate ordinary moments, and use what you have given me to love and serve others. Remind me that my worth isn't measured by my accomplishments, but by who I am in you. Amen.

Series Theme Verse:

1 Timothy 6:6-7
Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. 

Written by Jaron Camp, a regular contributor to the Daily Devotional.