Substandard Christians 
by Mike Rule

I once heard a message about all that we must study and know in order to live the Christian life. I was troubled by this because I knew there was a fellow sitting in the congregation who has a physical disability which does not allow him to read at much more than a second or third grade level. If this fellow took this message to heart, he would believe that he could never be more than a substandard Christian.

The fullness of Christ is available to all men, but teaching that makes Christianity an educational exercise leads people into believing they will never be fully mature in Christ unless they read and study the scriptures. As I was thinking about the message, I asked God why He had brought me there to hear that message. That is when the Lord said to me, "Mike, anything you teach must be able to be accomplished by the weakest person." I was reminded of a picture I once saw of a fellow in Brazil who was little more than a head. I was also reminded of the fellow I saw in Las Vegas, Nevada, who had no arms or legs and was blind and deaf. What could these men possibly do to attain the fullness of Christ? Nothing, except to have faith! Yet, it is as available to them as much as to anyone. Jesus' power thrives in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9) and the only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love. (Galatians 5:1-6) You are not substandard. God only desires that you know Him and trust Him. He will take care of the rest. (Proverbs 3:5-7a)