What Is Your Best?
I remember when my children were in school and they would come home reluctant to show us their report card or a grade on a project that they had worked so diligently over. Sometimes the grades would bring a tear or even fear that we, as their parents, would be disappointed in them. My question was always this to them: “Did you do your best?” Often times the answer was a resounding yes or a reluctant no, whatever the outcome, we always encouraged our children to shake it off and keep trying.
As a child of God, I often wonder if He (God) is greatly disappointed in me and the feats that I attempt in this life. I wonder if the things that I act upon or speak about would render a passing or a failing grade in His eyes? As much as a child relishes the approval of their parents at report card time, I too, desire for God to be proud of me.
But let’s be honest, living in the world as it is now creates such an environment that it is easy to just get by by the skin of our teeth or do the bare minimum to get the job done. Most people want to reap the benefits but are not willing to put in the work. This reminds me of a time that we hired a handyman to do some repairs at our house. We agreed upon a price for a certain amount of work to be done. However, after payment was rendered and the work was suppose to have been done, we found it half done and done poorly. We ended up having to hire a different handyman to not only finish the job but make repairs for a job not done well by the former handyman. Did they do their best? I don’t know, maybe they did, but in the end the job didn’t get done.
(Ecclesiastes 9:10) “Whatever the activity in which you engage, do it with all your ability, because there is no work, no planning, no learning, and no wisdom in the next world where you are going.”
As a Christian, we are not only encouraged to get the job done but God gives us the courage and strength to do it to the best of our ability. We don’t work diligently in order to be saved but because we are saved, we work diligently. There is a HUGE difference in this statement. Works (things that we do) cannot save us, only Christ can do that. However, a child of God who is striving to live for Him will also strive to do it to the best that they can.
Next time you teach a Bible Study, or help in the nursery, or see a need that needs filled, ask yourself this question: “Did I do my best?” If the answer is “no”, ask God to help you to be a more diligent Follower of Christ. Even if the answer is “yes”, ask Him to help you to do more or do it better.
PRAYER: Oh Lord, let others see in me not only my best, but Yours! In those times that I fail others, fail myself and yes, even when I fail You – help me to pick myself up and not live in defeat or failure but help me to become more dependent upon Your strength and wisdom. May everything that I do be nothing but the best for You and for others. AMEN
BLESSINGS. Laurie
@copyright2018 laurieadams
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I always try to do my best to let His light shine, however some days I fail miserably.
Amen to that prayer, Laurie. Much food for thought in this post.