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Highest Common Denominator

Remember grade school mathematics and the concept of the lowest (or least) common denominator? You had to look at a set of fractions and determine the lowest common denominator (that number on the bottom) so you could process the fractions. I was reminded recently of how our society and its entertainment suppliers quickly go to the lowest common denominator to get a laugh as a co-worker talked about the latest R-rated, raunchy summer comedy while we waited for others to join a conference call.

How are Christians to counteract lowest common denominator thinking? How are we to get past the just getting by, doing the minimum, least/lowest common denominator walk? By spurring one another on to love and good works (Hebrews 10.24-25), exhorting one another daily (Hebrews 3:12-13) and pointing to the highest common denominator, Jesus Christ – the author and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2).

Scripture tells us we are to imitate God (Ephesians 5.1), that we are being conformed into Jesus' likeness (Romans 8.29, the often left-out continuation of that Christian favorite "God works all things together for our good" Romans 8.28). We need the Holy Spirit to lead as we work to imitate our Lord. And we need our brothers chasing after that goal with us, encouraging, exhorting, training for godliness (1 Timothy 4.7) together and holding each other to the highest common denominator, our Master. Jesus is the standard. He is our pursuit.

Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me. (Colossians 1:28-29)

Set the bar high. Go after the highest common denominator in your walk and in your small group.
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