In just a few weeks another Narnia movie will be released. On my way home last night, I heard an interview with a “C.S. Lewis expert”. He was talking about the several things about old C.S., like for instance that he died on the same day that JFK was shot and killed. But then he mentioned this quote from one of his books.
There are no ordinary people. You have never met a mere mortal.
The Weight of Glory, “The Weight of Glory” (1942) p46
This struck me square in the face. Although I had heard something similar to this before, and maybe even have read this quote before, it was so new and fresh yesterday evening. Then last night I was listening to an interview with Francis Chan I found on the internet. In this interview, he was talking about having a passion for people, and asking if we really realize we are a supernatural being – full of the spirit and made to live forever. He also mentioned Paul’s anguish from Romans 9,
I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. 3 For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my people,
Paul so wanted he people to follow the Christ that it brought him sorrow and anguish. That’s seems to indicate a recognition of the state of people.
I just wonder what my day would be like if I walked around not looking at people at strangers – as just mere mortals – who are in the way, but as supernatural immortal people who just like you will arrive at one of two destinations in the end. How would that change your day?
3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. Philippians 2:3-4 (New International Version, ©2010)