Growing up in a christian home and environment, you are taught what is right and what is wrong; what is sinful and what is encouraged. You are taught to not get involved in the party life-style, to stay pure for your future spouse, to always tell the truth, to say no to drugs, and chase after Christ with all you have. You are warned of the evils of this world and of the dangers of sin. Yet, often times, a sin that we often overlook is one of the most dangerous temptations to a christian in today's society. This is the temptation to settle for an average life. This entrapment of this cycle of sin is one of the hardest to escape from only because it is only of the hardest to notice. You see, these chains of mediocrity feel light to the one who it is dragging down and look invisible to all others around. This life of mediocrity is enchanting to the eyes because it is safe, comfortable, and easy to slide under the radar. By living a life of mediocrity, you are never truly stepping into the life that Jesus died for you to live. By not challenging yourself and by saying okay to an average life, you are not fulfilling the calling that Jesus has on your life. Jesus calls everyone to something higher, something greater in order to bring glory and honor to his name. Everyone that God uses in mighty ways has to first give up the enticing, comfortable life of settling for average. So how does one do this? Not only are these chains invisible, but they are hard to leave behind.

1. You must first realize that they exist.

You have to earnestly search for the remnants of average. This could come in many different forms such as laziness, the desire to run from challenges, never wanting to try something or learn something that may seem foreign, or simply the desire to binge watch all the shows on Netflix over excelling at your responsibilities and talents. You must begin to notice the desire for average rising in you and you must begin to fight it by doing the exact opposite and trying harder.

2. You must sacrifice your security.

The feeling of security is what makes the binding chains of mediocrity invisible. When you feel safe and secure, you feel there is no reason to leave that bubble because if you do, you might feel uncomfortable, fall, or experience failure. Your version of security can vary from never trying something new, to alcohol, to isolating yourself from community, to a relationship. Giving up your security and comfort in life is one of the hardest things to do, yet this is exactly what Jesus called his disciples to do and this is exactly what Jesus calls his followers to do today. Yet, you can put your hope in Jesus' name. You can trust that what you give up for Jesus will never compare to what you gain in Jesus.

3. You must risk your reputation.

Galatians 1:10 says it all, "Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ." Going against the norm of being average can be threatening to others, but you must be willing to take that risk. If you are constantly caring about what others think, then you are not leaving room to care about what Jesus thinks. Putting what others may think of you if you chase after a life of greatness above what Jesus is calling you to do is too dangerous to mess around with. The opinions of others should not be dictating your obedience to your Savior. This has to be a choice of yours. You must choose to put Jesus' calling on your life above the chatter of those around you. Sometimes, in order for God to make you victorious in life, you must not be afraid to look absurd to others. In order to fully chase after the calling that God has on your life, you must be ready to hear the disappointment of people. But the disappointment of others does not compare to making the creator of the universe proud.

4. Finally, you must take note of your plans.

The chains of mediocrity are hard to let go and even harder to never pick back up. The temptation to live an average life will always be lurking around the corner because that is the easy path. Once you drop the burden of living average, you must make a plan. Write down the plan for your life and the steps you need to take to get there. Make reasonable goals and tell others about them. Write down your plans, but write them down in pencil and always be ready to erase because God needs to have full control. Keep these goals on the palm of your hand but leave your hand open for God to change and correct.

Just think what would happen if every follower of Christ decided to rid themselves of this comfortable entanglement and chase after God's great calling on their life. Think about the difference and the impact that would make on this dark and confused world. Think about what would happen if college students challenged themselves and stepped out of their comfort zone to be in the major that God is calling them to instead of just taking the easy A. Think about what would happen if high schoolers pursued the desire to be involved in their community and help to better those around them instead of going home and sitting on their phones all night. Think about what would happen if the mother with a lost son never stopped praying for him to come back into the arms of Christ. Imagine what would happen if fathers all over the world stepped up and became the spiritual leader that their family has been longing for. Think about what the world would be like if everyone loved their neighbor more and more everyday. Imagine a world if instead of judging others, we saw them through the loving eyes of Christ. Imagine what the world would be like if everyone got off their couch of comfort, laid the chains of mediocrity at Jesus' feet, and chased after the great calling for their life with all they have. Imagine a world with less settling and more achieving.