The "show business," which is so incorporated into our view of Christian work today, has caused us to drift far from Our Lord's conception of discipleship. It is instilled in us to think that we have to do exceptional things for God; we have not. We have to be exceptional in ordinary things, to be holy in mean streets, among mean people, surrounded by sordid sinners. That is not learned in five minutes.

The "show business," which is so incorporated into our view of Christian work today, has caused us to drift far from Our Lord's conception of discipleship. It is instilled in us to think that we have to do exceptional things for God; we have not. We have to be exceptional in ordinary things, to be holy in mean streets, among mean people, surrounded by sordid sinners. That is not learned in five minutes.

📖 Oswald Chambers

🌍 Scottish  |  👨‍💼 Theologian

🎂 July 24, 1874  –  ⚰️ November 15, 1917
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This quote challenges the common perception that serving God requires spectacular acts or extraordinary deeds. Instead, it emphasizes the importance of humility and dedication in the ordinary aspects of daily life. The metaphor of "show business" highlights how contemporary Christianity sometimes emphasizes performance, recognition, and outward appearances that can distort the true essence of discipleship. True holiness, according to this perspective, is cultivated through consistent, mundane acts of kindness, integrity, and faithfulness in everyday circumstances. It reminds us that genuine devotion does not depend on moments of grandiosity but rather on persistent faithfulness in small, often overlooked moments. Living a holy life among "mean streets" and "mean people" reflects the realistic and challenging terrain of discipleship where love and patience are continually tested. Mastering these daily sacrifices and acts of kindness is what aligns us with Christ's teachings. The wisdom here encourages believers to find significance not in others’ admiration or external validations but in their faithfulness in simple acts of service. Developing this character takes time, patience, and genuine humility, a stark contrast to superficial pursuits of spiritual achievement. The quote ultimately calls us back to the core of Christ’s message—discipleship involves a lifelong commitment to embodying love, humility, and holiness in the contexts we often find least glamorous but most vital.

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July 05, 2025

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