Defining Mediocrity

When we say something is mediocre, the message being communicated is that something is less than excellent. If we give it much thought, we ought to acknowledge that this sort of definition is built upon unspoken presuppositions. The things that people consider important will drive and underlie those things that they define as excellent or mediocre.

The thing that stimulated this thought path was considerations on children's education. If someone believes that a large salary and a padded retirement fund are extremely important, then much effort will go into education: high culture schooling, top notch university, and probably a doctorate.

Whereas if concern for the soul is ultimately important, then learning to pray, to repent, to confess sins, to forgive others and to love will be the focus of ones attention.

The next thing that I will hear will probably be something along the lines of, "these things are not mutually exclusive, someone can have both". But Scripture says otherwise. "Where ones heart is, there is his treasure." And, "you cannot serve both God and money." We must answer these statements, they do mean something.

So when we label something as mediocre, we had better be sure we truly understand the worldview that is behind that action.

But ultimately, we must ask ourselves what goal we are training our children to reach, big money or godliness?  Spiritual mediocrity or worldly mediocrity?