My boxing trainer and I were talking about a man who used to come to the gym to workout. The trainer said he talked to him and said that he (the man) was discouraged because he didn’t seem to be improving. Because he was frustrated and discouraged for not being the best, he dropped out!

Over the past 25 years in ministry, I’ve seen many people drop out of church, ministry, marriage and life! The harsh reality is that people get discouraged, frustrated and for whatever reasons, they give up and drop out!

The standards and expectations of life can be challenging to the point of being overwhelming. We are constantly reminded to be better, do better – to upgrade our performance – to be the best!

Am I called to be THE BEST or to be my best? I really can’t be someone else’s best. I can never measure up if I’m always living up to someone else’s expectations or standards. Of course, it’s NOT to say that we shouldn’t challenge and call people to improvement, BUT when is enough, enough?

I’m called to be my best in God – NOT the best in what I do.
I’m called to be my best in God – NOT someone else’s best for me.
I’m called to be my best in God – NOT the best for God.

As a leader, I want to be careful not to place undue or unnecessary pressure on others to perform – to be the best at…something. I want them to be their best – to do their best – unto God. So I will push, challenge, call and encourage others – to be their best for the God who loves them and deserves their highest devotion, attention and service