Best Efforts

That’s really all we have to give, right? We do our best and hope for the best. Sometimes it works out and sometimes it doesn’t. When it does, we call it success. When it doesn’t, we call it a mistake. Thus, we say things like, “we learn from our mistakes.” Maybe instead, we should state it more positively and say, “we learn from our best efforts.” Here’s why:

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Instead of learning and understanding the true context of moments in history, our culture has the tendency to criticize the decisions made by previous generations. We tend to lack gratitude for those who stood as imperfect men and women in the midst of impossible situations and gave their best effort to do what they believed would propel us forward in the right direction. We also lack humility when we believe we would have done differently if we had been in their shoes. Naïve, to say the least.

Okay, deep breath. I know these indictments sound pretty harsh. I guess all I am trying to say is, let's stop this trend. We have to be willing to learn from the wisdom of our elders and those who've boldly gone before us. Let's value what others have bought for us through their blood, sweat, and tears. Let's be thankful we're not in their shoes, and let's become builders by taking the foundation laid for us, make improvements where necessary, reinforce the weak places, and humbly work to create strong shoulders for our children to stand upon.

So, why have this conversation in a daily devotional? Because the Bible isn’t merely a collection of highlight-reel stories pointing to the natural growth of knowledge and wisdom over the ages. No, it’s the good, the bad, and the ugly of a people, chosen by God, through whom he would accomplish his purposes. Real progress comes through putting God first, working hard as if you are working directly for him, and picking up where the best efforts of others carved out the beginnings of what will one day become a well worn path onward and upward.

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Jesus and Paul after him, taught us that humility enables us to honor and glorify God like nothing else. It is the central force driving our best efforts.