Because Jesus is in Heaven, we sometimes forget how close He is. What if He were still on earth in His physical form? If He gave you a task to do, how urgent would you be in getting it done? Would you put it off until a more convenient time or jump right on it? What sort of effort would you expend to accomplish it? Would you cut corners and do just enough to call it done?
I think every one of us would do whatever we could to put in our best effort to present Jesus with a result that reflected how much we revere and love Him. Shouldn’t we do the same even though He is not speaking to us in His human flesh? When serving Jesus, good enough is never enough. (Colossians 3:23-24; Ecclesiastes 9:10)
As someone who has hired and trained many, many people over his career, I can tell you that workers fall into one of three categories. Some approach their work with a determination to give their best effort and never make a mistake. Others don’t care and try to slip by unnoticed for as long as possible. But over time, most people seem to fall into the category of just doing enough to not get fired. It’s why those who reach the top of the ladder are so far fewer than those who never make the climb.
It’s one thing in the corporate world to give a subpar effort. In certain circles, it even seems as if it’s expected. But in living for Jesus, good enough is never enough. He gave everything for you. Jesus never took a day off, never cut corners, and never healed someone halfway. He did everything in a way that personified excellence and care. No one ever looked at what Jesus did and thought, “Well, I could have done it better.” The Son of God was and is perfect in every way (Hebrews 4:15; 1 Peter 2:22), and that is the standard He set for us to follow. (1 Peter 2:21; Matthew 5:48)
We can either say, “That’s too hard, and we’ll never get there,” or we can say, “By God’s grace and through His power, I’m going to make every effort to walk just as Jesus walked.” (1 John 2:6; Philippians 2:12-13) We settle for “good enough” because we don’t understand the sacrifice and power of our great King. (Ephesians 1:18-20) Jesus isn’t just “good enough” to save us from our sins; He is the perfect sacrifice. (Hebrews 10:14; 1 Peter 1:18-19) He isn’t preparing a home for those who love Him that is “good enough” for us to spend eternity in, but one that will exceed every expectation we could ever have. (John 14:2-3; 1 Corinthians 2:9)
The plan of God is not “good enough” for Him to accomplish His will. It is flawless, just, and glorious. (Isaiah 55:8-9; Psalm 18:30) Knowing the kind of God we have, can’t you see that good enough is never enough for us to give Him in return? If Jesus isn’t worth your best effort at all times, who or what is? The Spirit of God dwells within each of us who confess and believe Him to be the Lord He is. (1 Corinthians 6:19; Romans 8:9) God is not far away; He is inside you. (John 14:17; Colossians 1:27) Whatever He compels you to do, do it with all your heart and strength. Leave nothing on the table. Give everything to Him, just as He did for you. Good enough is never enough. Show Him how much He means to you in everything you do.