We all know the rhythm of an ordinary day. Alarm clock buzzes (maybe a groan of “Good Lord, it’s morning!”). Stumble to the kitchen for coffee. Scan the news. Shower. Commute – maybe with talk radio or a podcast. Work hard. Grab a quick lunch, often filled with surface-level chat. Back to work. Pick up kids, make dinner, maybe crash in front of the TV until bedtime.
Sound familiar? As the sermon text points out, there might not be anything inherently evil in such a day. But the crucial question is: how much good was deposited? How much was intentionally stored up in our hearts that helps us grow spiritually, become kinder, more worshipful, or more attuned to God’s presence (Galatians 5:22-23)? Living decades of these purely ordinary days often leads to spiritual stagnation. We stay the same.
But what if there’s another way? Jesus hinted at it in Luke 6:45: “A good person brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart…” He suggested that positive change – better thoughts, actions, love, and perspective – isn’t about exhausting ourselves trying harder to behave better. Instead, it flows naturally from intentionally storing up good in our hearts, day by day.
This is about inviting Jesus into the fabric of our existing lives, transforming an ordinary day into an extraordinary one. It’s not about adding hours we don’t have; it’s about shifting our focus within the hours we already live.
Let’s Reimagine That Ordinary Day:
- The Alarm: Instead of “Good Lord, it’s morning,” try “Good morning, Lord! Thank you for new mercies (Lamentations 3:22-23), for life, for this day.” Before your feet even hit the floor, invite Him in: “Father, walk with me today. Be my master, let me be Your servant. Lead the way.” (Proverbs 3:5-6).
- Coffee & News: Before reaching for your phone or the paper, grab your Bible. It doesn’t need to be a 45-minute study. Just a few minutes to deposit God’s Word into your heart (Psalm 119:11, 105). Then pause and listen: “God, what do You want to say to me about this?” Now when you read the news, it’s different. You might find yourself praying for leaders (1 Timothy 2:1-2), for those suffering, seeing events through a lens of faith.
- The Commute: That drive time can be filled with angry voices on the radio, or it can be a time to store up good. Put on worship music (Ephesians 5:19, Colossians 3:16). Listen to an uplifting podcast or sermon. Pray for the people you see. You’ll arrive at work with a softened, better-prepared heart.
- At Work: Excel at your tasks, certainly (Colossians 3:23). But cultivate the habit of keeping “one ear open to heaven.” While typing that email or attending that meeting, remain attentive: “God, any wisdom or creative thought You want to share? I’m listening.” Listen for the Spirit’s prompts (John 14:26, Galatians 5:25). Maybe keep a notepad handy. When someone comes to mind who’s struggling, jot their name down to send an encouraging note or call later.
- Lunchtime: Remember Jesus’ words: “You are the salt of the earth” (Matthew 5:13). When you eat with colleagues, realize you might be the only “spiritual seasoning” they encounter. Invite God into that lunch hour. Ask Him to help you be a good listener or guide you if there’s an opportunity to gently steer the conversation towards something deeper. Imagine the impact if thousands started having lunch with “salt on their minds”!
- Errands & Kids: Picking up kids from school isn’t just a chore; it’s a “captive audience” opportunity! Use that car ride to connect, ask meaningful questions, and deposit something good into their hearts and your relationship – talk about faith as you go (Deuteronomy 6:6-7).
- Dinnertime: Before everyone dives in, take just 3-4 minutes. Read a short devotional passage. Share prayer requests or thanksgivings (Philippians 4:6). Intentionally invite Jesus to the family table. Where else are our kids consistently receiving spiritual nourishment between weekends?
- Evening: Instead of automatically defaulting to the TV, pause and ask God for energy to do something different sometimes. Maybe a walk, a bike ride, reading an inspiring book, or attending a prayer gathering. Choose to intentionally store up good rather than passively consuming content (Philippians 4:8).
- Bedtime: Wind down perhaps with a good Christian book sprinkled among your usual reads. And just before sleep, bookend your day: “Lord, I invited You in this morning (Psalm 5:3), and I’ve sensed Your presence. Speak to me even as I sleep” (Psalm 4:8, Job 33:14-16).
This Is Your Life
Your life isn’t some abstract concept. It is these daily engagements, relationships, and activities. You can live them in an ordinary, redundant way and find yourself spiritually unchanged years from now. Or, you can intentionally invite God into every part, making deposits of good into your heart.
As you do this, day after day, the promise of Luke 6:45 comes alive. Good behavior, healthier relationships, stronger families, a deeper connection with God – a truly good life – will begin to flow naturally from the good you’ve stored within.
Challenge: Try living this intentionally “with Jesus” for just one week. See how the ordinary starts to feel extraordinary.
