It’s obvious that ordinary is not exciting. It’s what we say when something is run-of-the-mill or hum drum. Blah. Boring. But, when something is extraordinary, it’s more than exciting. It exceeds expectations. It’s phenomenal.

When someone is extraordinary, we say they are exceptional. This can refer to their excellent character or skill set. Something makes them valuable.

The question is, how do we get out of this muddy, slow rut of the ordinary and break into the fast lane of extraordinary?

I’m going to let you in on a secret.

It’s simple. To be extraordinary, be a guardian. Yes, really. Let me explain.

There is much talk of guardians these days, with the movies like Spiderman-guardian of his city. Or the obvious one about the strange, rag-tag crew that sets out not only to save the world, but the galaxies, too. Hollywood has at least one thing right because guardians are important. In fact, they’re an essential part of our world-of society.

The Basics: What does a Guardian do?

The job of a guardian is to protect and defend. But not just anything. Whether it’s a soldier fighting for their country or a mother taking care of her child, a guardian attends to something they consider precious. When there are no guardians, chaos ensues. Since you’re reading this, you have something worth guarding. Something you don’t want to lose. The question is, do you have what it takes to be a good one?

You can’t put a price tag on something that saves your life, physically or mentally.

When I was a kid, my family got caught up in a cult. I would have given anything to have had a guardian like the ones in the movie. Someone to zip in from another galaxy to warn me of impeding danger and pull me out of harm’s way. But the problem was, the people I needed protection from didn’t seem dangerous. Just an unremarkable couple, saying and doing enough of the ‘right things’. Nobody noticed there was something they were hiding. They were wolves in sheep’s clothing. Aka predators.

Before we can know what it takes to be a guardian, we have to take a closer look at how the predators get what they want. Yes, plural because there are many. Merriam-Webster says a predator is: “one who injures or exploits others for personal gain or profit.” We can do many things about guarding something from physical predators. Those are easily recognizable, like taking karate lessons or installing a security system for our homes. But what about the predators that pursue us with the purpose of mental or spiritual harm? The cult leaders attacked us where we least expected it.

3 Invisible Things Predators Target:

1. Hearts: Predators find out what you want most and use it against you. What is your want? Love? Security? Money.

For us, it was friendship. The cult leaders befriended us. They took their time getting to know us, finding out what made us tick, as the saying goes. They became dear to us by spending a lot of time with us. I’ve lost count of the many meals we ate together, sharing stories and laughter. This led to a strong bond. My parents grew to trust their judgement without question. I would go so far to say they idolized them.  

2. Minds: Predators want to psych you out. Gaslight you. Brainwash you.

The cult leaders convinced us they had the authority to unlock the mysteries of Scripture. They did this mostly through their meetings, or crusades, as they called them. They twisted the Bible to back up whatever agenda they had at the time.

By the time I graduated high school, they had convinced me I shouldn’t pursue college. They prophesied that something evil waited for me there. Instead, I should become one of them. Of course, I didn’t realize I was joining a cult at the time. I needed a guardian to step in, ready to fight for me, and warn me that the predators were closing in for the kill.

Thus, brainwashing and gaslighting ensued. But God protected my mind, and I came to the point of realizing what was going on and did as the Bible tells us to do when we come upon evil. Flee.

3. Egos: Predators target your self-worth. Their goal is to gain control. They accomplish this by lifting you up just so they can tear you down.

The cult leaders said we were special. They made a big deal about giving us unexpected gifts and praise. They were flatterers. Sycophants. They chose only the best to join their inner circle. But this came with a price-unquestioned loyalty and obedience.

The Unseen Predator:

How can we hope to guard against the spiritual forces of darkness? The devil prowls the earth like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8). The lion is a wonderful simile. I shiver just thinking about the hungry beast tracking me down with the purpose of making me his lunch. This verse gives us a picture of the most terrible predator of all-Satan.

4 Characteristics of an Effective Guardian:

An effective guardian has the qualities to protect against both physical and spiritual dangers.

1. The first one is almost too obvious to mention. Although being a guardian is instinctual- from the rudimentary fear that something or someone we care about may be harmed. To do it right, one must have love for the object of one’s protection. Parenting is one of the most obvious ways to illustrate my point. I don’t need to explain what the term ‘mother bear’ means in correlation to a mother protecting her children. Just the mention of the term conjures up pictures of grizzlies with sharp teeth and claws chasing down a mountain lion or wolf-predators to her cubs.
2. Guardians must have the knowledge and the will to protect the ones they love. They not only must be aware of the threats to the vulnerable charge, but they must also be prepared to act. If we know someone is hurting or in danger of physical or mental harm and do nothing about it, we have failed in our role as guardians. We should repent and pray for God’s help. He’ll give it. “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6).
3. Guardians have the tools to defend us. The twenty-third Psalm paints a beautiful picture of the Lord as a loving shepherd protecting us, his sheep. The perfect guardian. He walks with us through the valley of the shadow of death. His rod and staff protect us from the surrounding predators. We have nothing to fear because He is with us.
4. Most importantly, guardians are spiritual warriors. They protect us by covering us with prayer.  

If you are a guardian, you are extraordinary!

You may not be Spiderman or Groot, but you are someone’s hero. You have the skills, aka superpowers, to make a difference in someone’s life. As a mentor or friend, you fit the criteria. Own it. Refine your powers.

What’s Next?

Get off the couch and be that hero you always wanted to be. Nike says it best, “Just do it.”