“Give of your best to the Master; give of the strength of your youth. Throw your soul’s fresh, glowing ardor into the battle for truth. Jesus has set the example, dauntless was He, young and brave. Give Him your loyal devotion; give Him the best that you have.” (First verse of Give of Your Best to the Master, written in 1864 by Charlotte A. Barnard)
This is your Monday Short meditation. As a Christian, from a positive perspective, “’Best’ is a Variable.” Let’s get something straight, okay? You see, by variable, I don’t mean subject to just any kind of change that is based on stimuli, stressful situations, or the steering of the secular world. I am not suggesting that there should be any negative inconsistency in your behavior, my friend. Furthermore, I am not stipulating that you as a believer should be inconsistent in your ongoing effort to meet the behavioral definition shared by Jesus. Know this, my brother, my sister! There is no such things as a up and down trajectory on your Christian journey. The trend line is always upward in your case. Why? Because your “best is a variable”. Your “best” refers to how you are continually making perfect progress on this Christian journey.
Your “best,” in terms of living like a Christian ought and serving the Lord faithfully does not pause and make a habitat on a figurative plateau that is very high. Why? Because that plateau is not the top of the spiritual mountain you are climbing.
Let me tell you something! Yesterday’s “best” should not be today’s “best.” Today’s “best” should not be tomorrow’s “best.” “’Best’ is a variable” and as a child of God, your “best” should be changing in a positive, upward direction every day. So, today and all your tomorrows you are blessed to see, strive to do your new “best” in walking with God, in witnessing for God, in weathering the storms of life with God on your side, and in working in the kingdom for God. Depend on the Lord to help you ascend to the next place on your spiritual climb. He will help you! He will strengthen you! He will order your steps! He will, if you just get in His word, show you the way you must go, show you the reactions you must release, and the stir up the light withing you that must shine aglow.
Remember “’Best’ Is a Variable” and the change that takes place should always be positive. And it will you abide in Christ and remain a follower of our Savior. Have a great start to your week and, experience your new “best!” Be blessed!
“In a word, what I’m saying is, Grow up. You’re kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you.” (Matthew 5:48 The Message Bible)
Committed to the climb,
Mark L. King