I’ve heard that phrase in advertisements for decades. You probably have, too. The announcer extols the virtues of a product that is “superior to any other.” And then he intones, “Why settle for less?”

What is amazing is how many times we do settle for less. Not just on consumer products but in how we live and how we serve the Lord. Less than the best.

Phil Cooke recently wrote on our current culture and the things that keep us from holding up a high standard for ourselves, our ministry work, and those we lead. Among the things he listed were these:

The Fear of Offending

In a culture that values being politically correct and avoiding offense, there’s a hesitancy to give critical feedback or point out flaws. Constructive criticism or holding individuals to high standards might be perceived as harsh or confrontational, leading to a reluctance to push for excellence.

Mediocrity in the Name of Kindness

The desire to be ‘nice’ often translates to accepting mediocrity rather than demanding excellence. Settling for average or ‘good enough’ becomes the norm to avoid potentially hurting someone’s feelings or causing discomfort.

Embracing the Average

The fear of being labeled as ‘mean’ or ‘unpleasant’ often leads to a culture that rewards mediocrity. Embracing and celebrating average performance over striving for excellence sets a standard that’s lower than what is truly achievable.

Then Phil nailed it when he said, “…when we stop inspiring excellence in our team, we’re undermining everyone’s potential.”

Settling for less than the best has long-term consequences, not just a short-term deficit. If we don’t hold to a high standard, we are pulling down the potential of each member of our team.

This is even more critical when we apply this to the personal and spiritual. Do we settle for less in our relationship with the Lord? Do we offer less than our best in our service to Christ? Do we compare our offering…our lives, and our service…to what Christ did on the cross? God gave His very best…His son Jesus…so we might have fellowship with Him for all eternity. What is our commitment to Almighty God? Oswald Chambers called it “Our Utmost for His Highest.”

Paul wrote to the believers at Ephesus, commending them for their faith and pointing out what God did for them and for us.

I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance. I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him.

Let your heart be flooded with God’s greatness poured out for you. And let your work be a reflection of the excellence the Lord has shown you…so others may understand God’s great love. In Jesus’ words from Matthew 5:16…

…let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.

God’s best,