I was listening to a teaching by Bill Hybels and he used a phrase that caused me to pause, write down and ponder. He said these words…

“When did God do his absolute best for me?”

He proceeded to talk about Jesus being the unblemished, Son of God, a man of flesh, yet without sin. He was the perfect sacrifice. He talked about the role of the Holy Spirit, God’s perfect gift for man’s ongoing, daily relationship with Him. He even mentioned the perfect destination and that heaven awaits all who have a relationship with God. He ended this segment with an interesting challenge/ statement…

“My best for His glory would be greatly appreciated.”

I have pondered this teaching for a while now and it has been an amazing journey. I realized pretty quickly that God has perfection in all that He has provided for me. I haven’t achieved perfection in anything that I have given him. I fall short in every gift, talent, thought, words or actions that I performed. My achievements were never perfect…there was always room for improvement or better results. I will never match God in the giving ratio. God = 1, Me = 0.

The statement doesn’t ask for my perfection. It asks for my best. When I read that, I think about all my efforts. I don’t do many things half way. In fact, when I decide to do something, I will make a commitment that is so strong. Watch me workout at the gym and I have a puddle of sweat around me on the floor. My eating habits are lined up with the diet set up to maximize my health. “My best” does really well most of the time, but it doesn’t reach the highest levels possible. It falls short every time. God = 2, Me = 0.

“For His glory” is a tough one to ponder. Do my words, thoughts, and actions bring glory to God? Are there things that in my daily routine or even the one’s outside the box that God’s glory is revealed to others? Do I give others the time or the listening ear they need that will help them see God’s love in me? Do my thoughts always bring a reverence to God and exalt his power and character? Tough one…not even close. God = 3, Me = 0.

Aren’t you glad God scores it differently?

God = 3, Me + Jesus = Your Best is Enough