EXCELLENCE

The religion taught by our Lord is "more than" religion. It is the religion of maximums. Sadly, so many have bought into a minimum mentality. Just get by! Be content with mediocrity!

Jesus said, "If you salute those who salute you, what do you more than others?" Pagans would do that! It is going the extra mile that marks the followers of Jesus. It is doing what is expected, and then some.

Even in the secular world the difference in success and failure is determined by that little extra effort. Good grades are determined by that little extra effort. Athletes who excel make that extra effort.

Think of the difference it would make in our congregation if we could get our members to go that extra mile, to make that little extra effort.

Here’s what it would do!

...It would get you to Bible classes on Sunday as well as worship. Some who once were faithful to attend Bible study no longer do so. Is it because you have learned all you need?

...It would bring you back Sunday evening for worship and hearing the word of God. What is the difference between those who come and those who don’t? Aren’t those who come busy, too? The difference is a matter of priority and putting forth that extra effort.

...It would make us more thoughtful and conscientious in our giving. That little extra effort would cause us to prayerfully consider our giving in comparison to our prosperity.

...It would lead to a greater soul awareness, and would motivate us to do what we can to reach some person out of Christ.

...It would involve us in the life and work of the congregation by participation in the things we can do to advance the work of Christ.

Vince Lombardi once said that, "success or failure depends upon one’s commitment to excellence." Remember — Christianity is the religion of excellence — it challenges us to "extra effort." It is a "more than" religion.

Clarence DeLoach