I once heard a sports analyst describe an undefeated college team this way: "They have a tendency to play at the level of their opponents. They seem to do only as much as is necessary to win, and nothing more." He went on to say, "Their mediocrity will catch up them; they won't be serious contenders for the national championship this year." He was right; they lost that weekend.

Mediocrity is a curse. Mediocrity does what it can to avoid a bad showing, but rarely concerns itself with an excellent showing.

We see this all too often in our spiritual lives. We see it in individuals, and even entire congregations, who engage themselves half-heartedly in an experience of worship. What a sad way to approach an experience that has the potential to take us before the very throne of the living God!

Mediocrity also shows in our approach to ministry, in the degree to which we are willing to go out of our way to bless others. From the effort we put into a volunteer position at our local church to the sincerity with which we minister to a lost or hurting person who crosses our path. Do we do just enough to get by, or do we perform with excellence as Christ’s ambassadors? Many Christians are held back only by their commitment to mediocrity.

In talking about his approach to ministry, Paul said, "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize." (1 Corinthians 9:24)

He's talking about pursuing excellence in everything: in the way we strive for holiness, in the way we reach out to others, in the way we live for Jesus. His words echo the words of Solomon: "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might." (Ecclesiastes 9:10)

Let's do our best to move in the direction of excellence, running to win the race.

With Love,

Mike