BE THE BEST YOU CAN BE
Ecclesiastes 9:10
INTRO: One of the top 4 advertisers on sports TV is the Armed Services. Of the several branches, the Army gets the most publicity. Their slogan is known by almost anyone who watches sports. "Be all that you can be—in the Army."
That’s a pretty good ambition for any field of endeavor. The military, secular world, or for religious people. However, in the religious realm its more than a good idea—its a necessity!
I. GOD EXPECTS OUR BEST.
In the Old Testament God wouldn’t accept the crippled, sick animals for sacrifice (Leviticus 22:21-22). He expected and received only the best. He also gave only the best (1 Peter 1:18-19).
There are many scriptures that teach that God’s people should do only their best.
Ecclesiastes 9:10 “whatever your hands.... might.”
Romans 12:6-11—we all have different gifts, yet whatever gift we have, use the best way.
Eph 4:15-16, everyone is expected to do his/her part; not be a parasite.
Col 3:23, heartily literally means: “from the soul.”
Eph 6:6—same Greek word.
God wants our full, complete dedication and service. This is shown in the parable of talents (Mark 12:11), In Matthew 25, the abilities are varied but the expectation is the same.
Jesus commended the widow who gave her best (Luke 21:2-4).
Macedonians commended for giving themselves (2 Corinthians 8:1-5).
Laodicians reprimanded for being lukewarm (Revelation 3:15,16).
It should be abundantly clear: God expects your best!
II. WHY DO SOME NOT GIVE THEIR BEST?
Some are lazy, plain and simple. It is easier to sit at home and do nothing. Some are too lazy to feed themselves (Proverbs 19:24). This can be also true spiritually (won’t study, attend worship, accept responsibility, etc.). Christians are instructed against laziness in Romans 12:11.
Some have a quitter’s spirit—quick to start, but have no endurance (Luke 8:13). It is vital for Christians to be finishers (2 Timothy 4:7; Revelation 2:10).
Some are content to be mediocre—never give their best at anything, the church included (Revelation 3:15-16).
Some do not know that God expects their best.
Some don’t know how to do any better.
Some have lost their first love (Revelation 2:4). The spark, enthusiasm of new birth is gone. Some are serving out of habit.
Some lack the courage to do their best.
III. BE THE BEST YOU CAN BE.
Assess your strengths and weaknesses (Romans 12:6-8).
Resolve, with God’s help, that you WILL do your best (Joshua 24:15).
Pray for wisdom (James 1:5).
Study God’s word for guidance and strength (2 Thessalonians 2:15).
Develop a plan for improvement: Put First Things First.
Don’t compare yourself with others—only with God’s word and your abilities (Matthew 25).
Remember, God is more interested in faithfulness than success.
CONC: Be the best you can be..in the Lord’s army. Two questions: Are you a Christian? Are you faithful?
