“Ordinary people can’t make a difference the world; the problems are too big.” This is the myth that pastor and speaker Tony Merida seeks to dispel in his excellent book Ordinary: How to Turn the World Upside Down.
Merida’s premise is that ordinary people living their lives with a justice orientation—and not extraordinary people performing incredible acts—is what will make the biggest impact for the gospel in our culture. This is about empowering the masses to justice ministry in the name of Jesus.
The book has a four-fold focus: “Neighbor Love,” “Hospitality,” “Care for the Vulnerable” (with an emphasis on foster care and adoption, which is close to my heart), and “Advocacy for the Voiceless” (highlighting the work of organizations like International Justice Mission). All four of these practices can be lived out by ordinary people. They don’t require special standing or charisma. Anyone can open their home to a neighbor in need; anyone can be a justice advocate; anyone can show love to the unlovely. Merida’s point is that Spirit-empowered Christians living for justice and serving the least-of-these in their ordinary lives is what made the Church so extraordinary in the first century, and we can reclaim that heritage today.
Particularly impactful for me was the chapter on hospitality. I was struck by Merida’s simple, straightforward presentation of what a life of hospitality can look like, coupled with an overview of how Jesus modeled hospitality throughout his ministry. I realized I can create space in my life to show hospitality, and through the prompting of the Holy Spirit I have begun to make some changes in my life.
The final chapter is dedicated to telling the story of William Wilberforce, an unimpressive man by worldly standards, who tirelessly worked to abolish the slave trade in England. Eschewing offers for more political power, Wilberforce instead poured himself out for the least-of-these in his society. Merida gives us a glimpse of the day-to-day practices that underpinned Wilberforce’s incredible ministry, pointing out that there is nothing there that we couldn’t emulate in our own lives. Powerful stuff.
I highly recommend this book. It is one every “ordinary” Christian should read, because this world needs more “ordinary” Christian like the ones Merida describes. Paul Costanzo’s narration of the audiobook version is excellent.
Please Note: This audiobook was gifted as a part of the Christianaudio Reviewers Program in exchange for my unbiased review of this work. This has in no way influenced my opinion or review of this work. More information can be found about this and other Christian audiobooks at christianaudio.com.