“A High Effort Standard” by Andrew Ellis


One of the easiest things to do in life is to find a way to get by without putting forth much effort. Accomplish the bare minimum to finish the task at hand. The end goal is to be average. These can range from what takes place in the classroom, at work, or in our personal lives. Have we ever attempted to do the bare minimum with our faith? Have we ever just done the minimum that we believe will be satisfactory enough to God? These can include being at the church building every time the doors are open; saying that quick prayer before we eat a meal. That is not to say these are not important. It is to evaluate whether or not we are putting in the extra effort to grow in our faith and to spread the Word of God.

Why should we settle on the bare minimum in anything in our lives? Why not strive to be the best we can be with what we are blessed to have? While numerous scriptures pertain to this topic, I would like to focus on two of them. Colossians 3:23-24 says, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” 2 Timothy 2:15 says, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.”

While we strive to meet the standards set forth by academic institutions or employers, do we strive to meet the standards set forth by our Father in Heaven? It is important to remember who we serve. No matter the skills we are blessed to possess, we need to use them to our maximum potential. Be the best you can be with what you got. Do not settle to do enough to slide by and be average. Is serving God a high priority in our lives? Does serving God take a back seat to other entities? Let us not lose sight of our priorities. Let us do our best to be a servant for our Father in Heaven! Set a high standard for what we do!