Herein lies an imponderable--just what is one's best? In prospect we always do our best. In retrospect, seldom if ever. What seems best at the time seems begging in review. Much of the answer lies in the probing of our purposes and in the establishing of a pattern.
In this we need a pattern, a measuring method to ascertain ones' best. The most common method is usually a mistake, that is, comparing our progress with the other fellow's. Peer pressure can lead us into endeavors and pursuits that are often considerably or totally incompatible with our gifts or God's will. The sooner we learn to "wear our own armor" and do it with grace, the more fulfilled and effective will be our service.
If the matter of the moment is receiving our best in devotion, attention and endeavor, any retrospection enlisted should only serve to note how better it may be done the next time around. Any failures noted, inadequacies revealed, or weaknesses uncovered should not be allowed to stand in judgment of a past performance. We who operate automobiles with accustomed ease today can recall painful experiences of jumping the clutch, killing the engine, spinning the tires, grinding the gears, and taking corners too fast. The second driving lesson didn't correct all of the initial blunders and some of us still have our problems.
The body of Christ is not all hands, all feet, or all hearts, and much precious time is futilely wasted by body members attempting to locate themselves within the body. The fact is that no man can determine who is what. The "selfsame Spirit" that worketh in all of us is the placement Personality in the body, and the placements are seldom recognizable by the various members of the body. The priority concern should be to function to capacity wherever one is or whatever one does.
Doing one's best is not an impossible dream, an illusive idealism, or an unrealistic and unattainable goal. If we honestly purpose and try to do our best, it is indeed our best, and God sees it so.
The biggest goal in my life may sound unappealing to some, oversimplified to others, and evasive to still others, but it my constant prayer and deepest desire. "Lord, fulfill Thy purposes within and through me. Help me to do this moment and this day what You want done. Help me to be in the fullest measure what You want. I sanctify to Thee even my infirmities, failures, and inabilities. Use all there is of me to perform Thy will. In Jesus name. Amen."
Watch for a new article each week!
Monday, September 8, 2008
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