Colossians 3:23 “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as for the Lord, not for men.”
Why is it that often Christians are known for doing things shoddily? In Burundi, we’ve attempted to build the best conference centre in the country to generate funds for God’s work, and people come up to me and say: “Don’t think this is yours, it’s ours!” They’re proud of it because it’s the best, and they can see it brings glory to God. We aspired to excellence rather than mediocrity.
In Russia in the 18th century, hundreds of builders were involved in a big construction project. Three of them who were mixing cement were asked what they were doing. The first replied: “I’m mixing cement.” The second replied: “I’m putting up a wall.” The third replied: “I’m building a magnificent cathedral to the glory of God!” They were all doing the same task, but you can guess which one was likely to be the most energetic and committed.
In the series ‘The Office’, Ricky Gervais says: “Put the key of despair into the lock of apathy. Turn the knob of mediocrity slowly and open the gates of despondency – welcome to a day in the average office.” How tragic! And yet maybe that is where we currently find ourselves. It can change. We don’t need to remain harnessed to the treadmill of the trivial.
Pete Greig writes: “The eyes of the Lord are still searching out those willing to live their lives above the gunnels of mediocrity and beyond the realms of inevitability. In our cynical age, God is looking for those naïve enough to believe that the world can still be changed, those simple fools whose vision is to live and die for Christ alone.”
Excellence honours God and inspires people. Will you commit yourself to that today?
Forgive me, Father, when I’ve settled for mediocrity rather than aspiring to excellence for your glory. Help me to change, starting today. Amen!
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