When asked about his players’ effort, the coach noted those who did not complete their assignments. They were satisfied to play only good enough. Those he praised had fought to the end. “Good enough,” he said, “is not good enough.”

Though the team won the game, many players failed to give it their all. They heard only the cheers and saw only the score. But for the coach, success was about listening to him, following his instructions, and carrying that focus to the end.

Far more was at stake than just that one game. A championship was on the line and there would be more games, opposition, and adversity. To succeed…they would have to work hard, do their best, and follow their coach to the end.

Settling for good enough is never good enough.

We face many of the same issues. It can be so easy to hear the cheers of God’s people rather than listen to God Himself. To think it’s all about building up numbers, and not building up people. To replace God’s idea of success with our own.

We have our orders, instructions, and commands, but choose not to complete the assignment He has given us. As we drift away from Him, we become satisfied that some good is better than none and just good enough is good enough. And yet we are told…

Be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect…love Him with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength…love your neighbor…love your enemies…love each other…encourage each other every day. 1

It isn’t about attaining perfection, but reaching for it.

What God has called you to do is difficult. It requires hard work and commitment. There will be sorrow, disappointment, and betrayal. And you will fail…often. But this isn’t about what happens in one day. This is about a lifetime. Your lifetime.

How can you succeed? Seek God and listen to Him. Do not look to a crowd, but focus on people. Learn how to love and encourage. And keep your word. It is impossible for others to trust what you say about God if they cannot trust you.

We either strive for perfection or we fail. So fight the good fight, finish the race, keep the faith. And always remember… good enough is never good enough.

Take care & be God’s,

 

Chuck

 

Chuck Graham is Founder and Executive Director of Ciloa, an international ministry devoted to sharing God’s encouragement and teaching how to encourage one another. Also an author and speaker, Chuck and his wife, Beverly, live in Lawrenceville, Georgia, USA. Learn more about Chuck and Ciloa at www.Ciloa.org .

Footnotes : (1) Read Matthew 5:48, Mark 12:30-31, Luke 6:27-31, John 13:34-35, Hebrews 3:13.

Pictures : Banner:  (1) Sharing, photo by Daniel Kucin Jr/Fort George G. Meade Public Affairs/UCLA