I’m reading through a book right now entitled, The 10 Dumbest Things Christians Do. It’s a fascinating book! I think the author has missed a few, as I can easily add another 90 or so. I am considering my own book, The 100 Dumbest Things Christians Do! I don’t feel qualified to write a lot of books, but this may fall into my expertise.

One of the chapters is entitled, Settling for Mediocrity. It’s a great chapter because we do - we do settle for mediocrity. I feel through life I have never been financially able to afford the best. I’ve always shopped for bargains... used coupons... bought store brands (which are not always inferior)... my favorite rack in the store is the Clearance rack. And, that’s not a bad lifestyle, in fact, in may be a wise lifestyle. But, when it comes to character... to work ethic... to serving the Lord... perhaps, that credo does become a bad thing. We may begin to compromise the effort we give to the Lord. Israel even reached the point that the animals they were bringing to the Lord were blind, lame or sick. Compare that with David’s statement when offered the land where he would build the temple for free. I cannot offer to the Lord that which cost me nothing. Cheap service to the Lord was not something David could fathom. We are introduced to the excellence God wants as he created the world and said, it was very good!

The chapter begins with a quote from John McKay: I am a big believer in the "mirror test". All that matters is if you can look in the mirror and honestly tell the person you see there that you have done your best. Here are a few ideas he shares about excellence...

                    Give generously (2 Cor 8:7)

Speak truthfully (Eph 4:25)

                    Work diligently (2 Thess 3:12)

                    Suffer patiently (James 5:7-8)

Interact peacefully (Rom 12:18)

                    Worship regularly (Heb 10:25)

                    Forgive completely (Eph 4:32)

                    Think positively (Phil 4:8)

                    Love completely (Eph 5:25)

                    Choose wisely (Eph 5:15)

                    Live quietly (1 Thes 4:11)

A good way to aim to give one’s best to the Lord.