by Don Emmitte |
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For
I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans
for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those
days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me in earnest, you will find me when you seek me. I
will be found by you," says the LORD. "I will end your captivity
and restore your fortunes. I will gather you out of the nations where I
sent you and bring you home again to your own land."
(Jeremiah 29:11-14 NLV). Sir
Thomas Fuller wrote: “Good is not
good where better is expected.” The October 1995 issue of Missions
Today tells an interesting example about what it takes to go beyond
just being good: On
May 31, 1927, Charles Lindbergh wrote a new chapter in aviation history by
completing the first-ever solo, nonstop flight across the Atlantic Ocean.
He became famous--headlines all over the world hailed his feat. "Lindy"
was a great aviator, but his success was due in part to the remarkable
dependability of the Wright-Cyclone engine that powered his plane, the
Spirit of St. Louis. That is only part of the story. Tom Rutledge was the
man who built the airplane's engine. Actually, he built it twice. After
the initial assembly, the engine was checked for oil and air leaks, then
powered up for a grueling ten-hour test run, the last three hours at full
throttle. Then came the "tear-down." The engine was taken apart
and carefully inspected, piece by piece. If any part showed the slightest
defect, it was replaced. The engine was then assembled again and put
through another test run. Rutledge did everything possible to produce the
best plane he could. So
that's the story. It is a story of how Tom Rutledge went beyond good, and
achieved the best. Aviation history was made in part because Tom Rutledge
put forth the effort to get things right, even if it took two or three
tries to do so. Good was not good when better was possible. This
principle applies to every aspect of your life. In your job, school or
church, you can put forth minimal effort, and get minimum results. Or you
can choose to do your best, and in the long run get superior results. The
choice is yours. The same is true in your relationships with friends and
family. And then there is your spiritual life. Being right with God
provides many blessings and helps you handle all difficulties. But it
takes effort to be right with Him. It takes time, Bible study, and prayer.
Do what it takes to be strong spiritually. Because in your relationship
with God, good is never good when better is possible. |
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