There is a small town in Illinois named “Normal.” It is right next to Bloomington, Illinois. We drove there recently for a wedding. Having grown up in Illinois, Irv and I are familiar with the town. What got our attention was the “Welcome to Normal” sign as you enter the town. I couldn’t help but say, “Fantastic! I’ve always wondered what “normal” looks like.” The sign prompted some conversation and a couple of questions. What is normal?  And is normal good? 

The word normal comes from the word norm and is based upon conformity to a set of norms or standards. The norms and standards are taught in the context of the community. Culturally, what determines the norms of the community is based upon what people think, do, and believe. It follows that norms can and do change over time. Norms often change with each generation. We even have names for the generations since they have their own identities: The Greatest Generation (those born between 1901-1924), The Silent Generation (those born between 1925-1945), The Baby Boomers (those born between 1946-1964), Generation X (those born between 1965-1976), Millennials or Gen Y (those born between (1977-1995), Generation Z (those born in1996 and later). Each generation has its own set of norms which are often in conflict with those of the previous generation.

Is there such a thing as normal? Yes. Normal is determined by the norms and the predominant characteristics of a specific system or culture. The norms may or may not be consistent with other systems and cultures. Differing norms for different cultures can result in conflict between two or more systems simply because we all tend to think that we are normal and others are not. This type of conflict in often seen in young married couples who have not yet established their own family identity and each wants to do things the way their family of origin did them. Young families need to establish their own norms and find their own normal. It is helpful to agree and compromise and perhaps draw ideas from each family of origin. Conflict of norms also occurs between people of different generations and people of differing world views. 

Is normal good? Normal can be either good or bad. Normal is morally neutral. It pertains to common characteristics of the system. Whether it is good or bad depends upon the morality of the norms involved. Normal behavior for criminals would typically be considered bad. Normal behavior for Christians is, hopefully, good.

An example of a concrete and consistent standard of good normal with regard to physical health is a 98.6 degrees temperature for the human body. Is there such a concrete and consistent standard of good normal with regard to mental and moral health? Is there a standard that does not charge with the times? Is there a standard that does not become obsolete? Is there a standard that applies to all people and has stood the test of time? I believe there is.

I believe Biblical truth is that standard and norm which defines what is normal in terms of moral, spiritual, and mental health. I know there are physical limitations and qualifiers with regard to chemical aspects of the brain and body, but I believe that God’s Word supplies the basis for determining normal healthy behavior and relationships. What we think and believe determines what we do. What we think and do influences how we feel. How we feel influences what we think and do. It is a cycle.

We must look to a standard of mental health that is outside ourselves. I believe it is God’s Word. I believe God’s immutable Word, which cannot change, is the standard of good and healthy normal for men and women. Every person and generation is called to the same moral standard. Though there will be generational differences in what is considered normal, morality should not be one of them.

“For I, the Lord, do not change; therefore you, O sons of Jacob, are not consumed.” Malachi 3:6

God is Good and God’s normal is good,

Elsie