We Get Better – Week One

What we do and how we do it matters.

The book of 2 Timothy is written by the great apostle Paul to a young church leader, Timothy. His words here are especially poignant because Paul is awaiting execution. This last letter challenges and urges Timothy to live out God’s call to the fullest.

Paul opens by commending Timothy’s faith, and then reminds him to, “kindle afresh the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.” (2 Timothy 1:6 NASB) Paul’s desire is for Timothy to stir up a fire within him, grow in his faith, and use his unique gifts.

In other words, Paul is saying – Keep getting better. Grow. Don’t stop where you are. And whatever you do, don’t give in to complacency.

At the non-profit where I work, Advancing Native Missions, our theme for 2020 is “Win the Day”. Over this year, I have been reminded again and again that winning takes intentionality and purpose. It rarely happens by accident or by taking the easy path.

Consider the words of 1 Corinthians 9:24-25, “In a race all the runners run. But only one gets the prize. You know that, don’t you? So run in a way that will get you the prize. All who take part in the games train hard. They do it to get a crown that will not last. But we do it to get a crown that will last forever.”

When plans are uncertain, and life is unpredictable, instead of practicing discipline and intentionality, we are often tempted to give way to mediocrity. You know the days when we roll out of bed, go through the motions, and do just enough to get by? If we are not careful, those days will turn into weeks or months and will, in turn, mark our lives.

But as a child of God, we are called to much more than getting by. Andreas Kostenberger says it this way, “Mediocrity, sloppy workmanship, and half-hearted effort do not bring glory to God or advance his kingdom.” While God does not expect perfection, He expects growth.

Like Timothy, we have a high calling. What we do and how we do it matters. Each of us has been entrusted with a precious faith that should be exemplified through our actions. In his book, Master of One, Jordan Raynor says, “When we work with excellence, we have the great privilege of being able to glorify God and proclaim his excellencies to the world around us.”

What about you? Does your life reflect the excellence and goodness of God? Are you driven to improve? Are you taking steps to grow in your gifting? Are you hungry to learn?

A few months ago, I started asking myself these same questions. A simple search revealed that I had given in to complacency. But God stirred my heart and challenged me to change. Each day I have to determine how I will live.

Today, I choose to:

• Keep showing up.
• See each moment as an opportunity.
• Look to the future with anticipation instead of fear.
• Take care of my physical body by eating well, sleeping enough, and exercising.
• Pray in faith.
• Try new things and dream about what can be.
• Take intentional steps to grow and to use my gifts and talents.
• Make wise financial decisions.
• Pursue friendship and meaningful conversations.
• Press into God.

What about you? Are you committed to winning the day?

How will you grow and overcome complacency? How will you get better?