"Results Not Typical"

"Guaranteed max results if you do it right!"

1 Corinthians 10:12-13 (New International Version, ©2011)¹² So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! ¹³ No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

Somewhere in the world right now an infomercial is on the air.


*cue mysterious omnipresent music*


You know, one of the great things about being up in the early mornings is witnessing the tons and tons of infomercials that come on the air at that time. You see products that do things you never thought were possible or they do possible things in a weird/new way (Mop Socks, anyone?).


But one of the interesting thing about these products, especially fitness ones, is the disclaimer that they often carry: "Results Not Typical." I've always wondered why you would sell a product that has been proven to work but only work for a few people. Then it hit me that in each testimonial, the person who got great results is the one who followed the instructions and sometimes even went beyond what was required based on their commitment to the product.


Whoa! So you mean that all I have to do is follow the instructions and it will work? You gotta be kidding me!


Results Not Typical. Just like the infomercials, in our Christian walk we often times BUY INTO the idea of Christ and what He can do for us as outlined in scripture but we fail to follow up on our part. Just like with the scripture above, God is always faithful to provide a way out from sin but we might not always be faithful to see it and take it. That's when we start seeing not so desirable results for our lives. When we don't follow up in the way that we are supposed to, we compromise our commitment and even greater results. Remember, Christianity/Christ works but to achieve the greatest results we have to too.


Read The Fine Print. In order to get the most out of your walk, you have to read the fine print. Scriptures instruct us on how we should live and they also teach us how to respond to different things we might face in our lives. Imagine buying some cleaner from an infomercial and instead of it working, it causes a horrible mess. Remember, Christianity works but to achieve the greatest results we have to follow the instructions.


Act Now! Limited Time Only! Just kidding. Unlike infomercials you see on TV, God's promises are everlasting and they never fade. What's good today won't expire tomorrow. You won't have to wait for the next best thing because He is the first and last best thing there ever was or will be! But remember, Christianity works but to achieve the greatest results we have to act!


Infomercials do a great job of proving to us that the product works but oftentimes we just don't do our part or follow instructions. The results that aren't typical come from those who follow instruction. Results are never impossible, not achievable, nor unlikely - just "not typical."


Is your walk/faith typical or not typical?


Bonus Coverage: Relient K - Getting Into You



When I made up my mind
And my heart along with that
To live not for myself
But yet for God, somebody said
Do you know what you are getting yourself into

When I finally ironed out
All of my priorities
And asked God to remove the doubt
That makes me so unsure of these
Things I ask myself, I ask myself
Do you know what you are getting yourself into

[Chorus]
I'm getting into you
Because you got to me, in a way words can't describe
I'm getting into you
Because I've got to be
You're essential to survive
I'm going to love you with my life

When he looked at me and said
I kind of view you as a son
And for a second our eyes met
And I met that with a question
Do you know what you are getting yourself into

[Chorus]

I've been a liar and I'll never amount to
The kind of person you deserve to worship you
You say you will not dwell on what I did but rather what I do you say
I love you and that's what you are getting yourself into

[Chorus]

He said, I love you and that's what you are getting yourself into