We live in a "get by" culture. The work ethic of our father's and grandfather's generation has all but disintegrated. Selfishness has created an atmosphere where the questions of the day are... "what's in it for me?" and "what can I do to just get by?"The infection of these immature attitudes used to be, almost completely, a disease of children and young people. Yet now they seem to be spreading into every aspect of society.
We cannot allow this minimalist mindset to seep into our spiritual pursuits.
We should never get caught in the immature pursuit of the minimum. We should strive to please God to the maximum.
It is time to Pursue Him and His character.
Let us not use simple logic to justify our selfish desires or our lack of spiritual desire. We must refuse to just "get by."
We cannot trade service for relationship; surface for depth; form for substance.
When the darkness of this world works to blur the edges of right and wrong, we must allow the Lord to illuminate our heart. As we press in and pursue His righteousness, His hand will lead us; empower us; and propel us to higher heights and to deeper depths.
The tragic results of living to the minimum can be found in the life of Samson.
Samson was asked to do things that other men did not have to endure. He had a vow from birth attached to his life. 1. He would not cut his hair 2. He would not drink wine 3. He would not touch anything that was dead.
In exchange for his obedience he would receive a strength that no man had ever possessed. He was destined to be the deliverer of Israel.
However, Samson lived to the minimum. He held his great potential so cavalierly. He did just enough to hold on to his "gift" until even that was gone.
Sad!
Samson was empowered to free Israel from the scourge of the Philistines. He did win a few battles, but he did not even come close to fulfilling his destiny.
We have been empowered to reach our world. We have received the Holy Ghost which gives us the potential to truly impact our city, our nation and our world.
Yet, so many of us choose to live life to the minimum. As Samson we do not go beyond our initial experience.
However, let us strive today for more. Let us reach beyond the minimum. Let us press into His presence. Let us commit to pray, study and reach like never before.
Beyond Minimum!
