The Advantage of Average: Anyone Can Do the Most Important Things

by Mark Arant

Anyone can do the most important things.

It's pressing in on us from all the pressure to be amazing. But have you ever considered that there might be an advantage to being... average ?

In a world obsessed with "amazing," join pastor Mark Arant in exploring the ways that Christians can live differently, embracing the fact that none of us is really a big deal. We don't have to be extraordinary to live the good life. Jesus has shown us the way, and anybody can get in on it.

Genres: Christian

142 pages, Hardcover

Published October 12, 2023

Reviews

[Izzy Wootonn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book twice while formatting & designing it! It was honestly so convicting and encouraging. Very easy to read and understand. I recommend this book for any Christian who struggles with perfectionism, caring what people think, or is obsessed with "being successful". (Aka, all of us!) It's not bad to have success, but how we get there and what we do with it is the important part, and that's what Mark tackles in this book. This book made me realize how good God is, how much more powerful and glorious he is than me, and how much better life can be when I stop trying to be amazing and just try to let the Lord's blessing go through me to bless others :)

[Elly Hamby · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Remembering the miracle of our own salvation is what keeps us average.”

What a joy it is to be average! This book was filled with simple truths that were easily digestible.

I have so much love for Veritas and Iowa City and this book - the stories, people, illustrations - deepened my love for the home that it will always be to me.

[Alyssa Borwick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wholeheartedly recommend this book!

I once had a professor say, “You should never write a book unless you have something truly NEW to contribute to the conversation.” His intention in this declaration was to express his displeasure with books that seemed to simply just regurgitate the same old, over-stated ideas. I was actually really compelled by his declaration, and I still carefully consider it each time I reach for another book.

This book, The Advantage of Average, truly contributes something NEW to the conversation of faithful Christian living. And not only is it just “new content,” it is new content that is saturated with Scriptural truths and concrete applications that our fallen world and aching hearts are longing for today. While we are instinctually obsessed with productivity and success, the ideas presented in this book are creative and convicting—for the author teaches the idea that to be average is actually to make MUCH of God’s extravagant grace.

While this book proclaims the beauty of average and ordinary living, it does not allow the reader to land in a place of apathy. Instead, it compels the reader to reflect upon the true nature of God’s character, driving the reader to action through intentional and servant-hearted Christian living.

I can truly say that this principle of “the advantage of average” has revolutionized and refreshed the way that I follow Jesus—for I am reminded that Jesus is not looking down on me, keeping track of my failures and demanding that I reach the next level of academic, vocational, or relational success. Instead, He is acting as an intercessor on my behalf…leaning in and asking me to be faithful with what He has given me, reminding me that He has provided for me a refuge and an eternal home that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading (1 Peter 1:4). I can once again breathe deeply knowing that Christ has invited me (us!) into a life that is unburdened by the weight of the world (Matthew 11:28-30). Oh come, Lord Jesus!

[Camden Glenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t just put 5 stars as flattery but as sincere cuz I truly did enjoy this book. The format, the stories, the uplifting of Christ, it was all there. I am thankful to be under the leadership of a humble man and blessed beyond belief to be apart of a community of Christ followers that constantly point me to God

[Justin Hullman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much that my wife suggested that I should read it at least once a year. That tells you everything you need to know…
“The glory of Jesus Christ has freed Justin Hullman from the insanity of being a big deal” 🔥

Grateful for Mark Arant!

[Payton Klippert · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book can be summed up by a quote found on page 106, “My greatest success has already happened. I’m loved. Jesus welcomes me. I love nothing left to prove.”

How incredibly refreshing and true is that? The “advantage of average” is that we have nothing to prove because Jesus has done it all. This book was a nice dose of humility that I desperately needed in a world that tells us to constantly strive. TYJ!

[Austin Kloewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Proverbial & prophetic. I will forever keep this book close at hand. May we never drift slowly into “bigdealness”, but continually be shattered and sustained under the weight of Christ’s glory!

[Mady Charleston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. “Remembering the miracle of our own salvation is what keeps us average.” I love Mark’s honestly and the simple truths sprinkled throughout the pages.

[Grant Chlystun · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an antidote to the desire for greatness, one that I need desperately! It’s is a timely, sobering word for anyone who is burning out on the never ending path of self-exaltation. I’m thankful for God’s truth which is present on every page, and for Mark’s insight which invites us into the freedom of being average for the Glory of God.

“Common people are only a vapor; important people, an illusion. Together on a scale, they weight less than a vapor.” Psalm 62:9. I am not a big deal. But Jesus is.

[Alex Yutzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve spent the majority of my life trying to be amazing. But have been on journey of learning to be average recently. This book was good for that. I learned.

[Scotty Leandro · Rating 5 out of 5]

The whole time I read this book I kept thanking God for giving me such an average life, where there’s not really anything I could potentially boast in the flesh. This is a repackaged call to humility for a culture and church that can idolize success. I’m convicted, repentant, and encouraged!

[Matt Swanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Below Average

[Adam Baccam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to be like Mark Arant when I’m older (average).

This book was amazing. Like sitting down with a close friend and being shepherded by stories and encouragement.

“But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.” -2 Corinthians‬ ‭4‬:‭7

There’s this huge benefit to seeing yourself as this first century Tupperware as Mark would call it — and it’s actually good for our souls that we see ourselves that way.

[Ryan Rubin · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a privilege to spend my first years as a believer in a church pastored by Mark, where I learned who Jesus was and why living for him was the calling of all callings.

Having moved away for many years, I once more feel the pastoral influence through these pages. At times a voice of a friend encouraging you to keep going in the way you are headed. At times a voice crying out to you to stop you from driving your boat over the edge of the Niagara Falls.

I’m thankful for this book, thankful for it being written and reading it when needing a reminder how great God is.

[Jonathan Randall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short pithy wisdom and stories that allow you to see that it’s okay to be average. Ironically - being average is all in the eye of the beholder and you could be on a pedestal according to someone else. But Mark’s best stuff comes at the end and he shows us how you can steward success by remembering that we are all average compared to the glory of God!

Highly recommend!

[Jenna Kent · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m so glad I’m not a big deal :-)

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

EPIC

[Miranda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for this book, Pastor Mark! 💗

[Grace Voss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very very much needed to hear this. The idea of making my name great is something I most definitely struggle with and never fully realized how far it went against what I am called to do. Highly recommend

[Brooke Steele · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so good! Very engaging and well written! I’m left feeling as though I need to read LOTR to fully grasp certain concepts, but I loved the way everything was laid out for the … average … person :)

[Abby Voss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow how fun! Super enjoyable and simple. I laughed out loud more times than I can remember. I recommend for any sinner!

[Jasmine Timm · Rating 4 out of 5]

The day after I finished this book, I spilled coffee all over my coffee table and onto this book. It’s now a book in incredibly average condition, which I think the author would appreciate. Aside from the coffee damage, I really enjoyed this book. The writing style reads a bit like John Mark Comer (less bulky paragraphs and feels conversational). The author is funny and relatable and speaks with refreshing, simple clarity on a range of complicated theological concepts. My only knock on the book is at times there are sections or sentences that feel they would land a bit better in a sermon rather than a book. I’m assuming this is because the author is a pastor and is used to preaching. This may be a personal preference, but I think sometimes sentences that are meant to be preached can translate to be a bit corny in written form. But that’s a minor issue I had and likely a personal preference. I’m a counselor and have already recommended this book to several clients (especially Gen Z) who feel the pressure to do something amazing with their lives. Overall, a very enjoyable and quick read!

[Eden · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know Mark personally, and I’m here to say that he’s right when he says he’s average-he has an average family with an average pastoring career and an average life. But there is still something so special about Mark that lead him to write this book-the Holy Spirit. And THATS hilarious. I’m an average person myself, so I’ve only got average things to say about this book, and all I can tell you is that our God is ironic because he is extraordinary, and works through extra-ordinary people. God used Mark to write a short but necessary book about how He is great, and everyone else was made to show that-and how that’s the advantage of average. That the less important you are, the less you have in your cup, the more you have to be filled with true joy from the Lord.

[Ike Speltz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal book that really gets at the question of what are we striving after. We can go after all the material success we want, but it pails in comparison to having the surpassing knowledge and relationship with our Creator. This isn't a book that condemns success, but really gets at the heart behind anything we do. It is okay to be the turtle that ends up on top of a fence post, but we must remember that we didn't get ourselves there, and at any moment we can be taken off that very post. We are to walk humbly with our Savior knowing that our true treasure is not found in this lifetime.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. This book is like taking a deep breath, like a sigh of relief. It says it’s okay to just be ordinary, because God is truly amazing. We’re all like “turtles on a fence post," not there by our own doing, but because God put us there. The book is simple, funny, and easy to read. I also appreciated the Lord of the Rings references :). It’s a humble and refreshing read!

[Zoe Harland · Rating 5 out of 5]

This. Book. Is. Incredible.
I wondered about some aspects of the author’s premise at first, but he got around to addressing all those questions in the course of the book. Excellent for reminding us the value of humility.

[Chrisyatesbookguy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book! Good perspective check and teaches well about humility. Also teaches well about seeking the Lords grace and seeking after him. I’m sure I’ll read again!

[Brianna Montross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very convicting and brings light to what being average is and why that is important as a Christ follower. Quick but powerful read. Loved this book!

[Tyson Kralis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid book. Gotta constantly remember that I’m very average in comparison to what Christ did for us.

[Paige Sagach · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Decide now to die to the dream of being celebrated and live the dream of being a servant.”

A short and important read that will make you thankful you are average.