As I sit in my living room watching the Patriots game I cant help but notice the absolute mastery their offensive players have of their playbook. Every audible & adjustment is accounted for. All 11 players on the field know exactly what to do in a given situation. This brings mind a concept that I desire to attain in my life.
Excellence!
Fill in this blank.
Hey man, what do you think of (Your name)?
Oh, (Your name)? He/She’s pretty mediocre.
Ouch!!!
No one wants to put their name in those blank spots. But the truth is… most of us want excellent results with mediocre effort, even when it comes to the faith.
To be clear, there is no amount of effort that can gain one favor with God in any way, especially as it pertains to salvation.
But, when it comes to growth in our faith and knowledge of God’s word, we have a very important role to play!
We must put forth effort in prayer
Effort in study
Effort in evangelism
Effort in caring for others
Effort in dependence on God
I can’t help but think of versus such as:
Daniel 6:3 – “Then this Daniel became distinguished above all the other presidents and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him. And the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom.”
Col 2:23 – “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men”
Titus 2:7 – “Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity”
Phil 4:8 – “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”
2 Cor 8:7 – “But as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you—see that you excel in this act of grace also.”
Brothers and sisters of the faith, our Lord deserves nothing less than our very best. For even our heavenly father exchanged heavens best for earths worst!
Determine within your heart to be the best! All to the Glory of God’s glorious grace!
Don’t settle for less. Honor God by giving our best effort at all times!