The Difference Between Good and Better

 

Life seems to be getting tougher every day. The cost of living is increasing and with the purchasing power of the average family weakening even more is being demanded of the same income. Where will we be at the end of 2022 is anyone’s guess at this point. Staying mentally and physically strong throughout this time of transition in our societies is of utmost important so we don’t become a drain on one another. I came across a classic quip of encouragement the other day and thought I would share it with y’all.

Ever wonder about people who say they are giving more than 100%? What does it mean to give more than 100%? Here’s a little mathematical formula that might shed some light on that thought. If A thru Z is represented by 1 thru 26 (A=1; B=2; and so on), then: H-A-R-D-W-O-R-K (8+1+18+4+23+15+18+11) =98% and K-N-O-W-L-E-D-G-E (11+14+15+23+12+5+4+7+5) =96%. But A-T-T-I-T-U-D-E (1+20+20+9+20+21+4+5) =100%. Now, look how far the L-O-V-E-O-F-G-O-D will take you: (12+15+22+5+15+6 +7+15+4) =101%. Therefore, one can conclude that while hard work and knowledge will get you close to giving 100% and a good attitude will get you there, it is the love of God that will put you over the top. Combined, one will have a great personal and work ethic.

[Mark 10:17-22] In this passage we read of a man who came to Jesus wanting eternal life. We have come to call him the Rich Young Ruler. He was a man who kept the law and appears to be morally excellent. Because we are familiar with the story, it is easy for us to judge him and his motives. However, we must remember that Mark records for us, “Jesus loved him” indicating that our Lord saw something in him that was spiritually commendable. It is only later that we find him walking away from Jesus unable to separate himself from his riches. This man seems to be spiritually discerning. He is keeping the law to the best of his ability and desires to know more about eternal life. His question, “…what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?” shows a desire to reach further in his quest for spiritual excellence. In other words, he is not satisfied to be good …he wants to be better. We may be appalled at his choices later on, but his mind and heart appear to be focused on doing better. Obviously, the decision involved more than he was prepared to accept.

As Christians, we may be satisfied to be good. There are two things wrong with that kind of thinking. First, we are likely using our own standard of what is good. Second, God is never satisfied with us being in a spiritually settled condition. We must be growing (John 15:1-8; 2 Peter 3:17-18). Paul preached, emphasized, and prayed for the growth of the first century Christians. He was never satisfied for them to be good or do well. He wanted them to be better. The same is true for the church. We should never be satisfied to be good. We need to strive for better. If our attendance is good, we should work to make it better. If the contribution is good, we should work to make it better. Whatever we do, it is one thing to be good, another to be better, all the while asking ourselves what God expects of us. But we should never think we are in competition with other churches, and we should never be looking for bragging rights. Like the Rich Young Ruler, we should be asking what more we can do. Unlike him, we must resolve to do what God wants of us. Remember the Sermon on the Mount was not just about keeping the law. It was about the spiritually excellent expectations of God through the law. Let us go the second mile with God.

The signs of the time are indicating we may have to give up a lot of our creature comforts in the near future. Don’t let one of them be Jesus and eternal comfort with God. Get prepared today to step forward; to give 101% to God and country, family, and friends.