.....excellence

 "What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?" Romans 6:1-2

The following is reported to be a true story about the quality standard of Japanese products.

As the story goes, IBM decided to have some parts manufactured in Japan as a trial project. In the specifications, they specified that they would only accept three defective parts per 10,000. When the delivery came to IBM, there was an accompanying letter: "We Japanese have a hard time understanding North American business practices. But the three defective parts have been included and wrapped separately. Hope this pleases you." The Japanese company gave IBM what they specified -- three defective parts and 9,997 good parts!

This story highlights the difference between settling for “good enough” and pursuing excellence. As Christians, we’re often tempted to set "acceptable" limits on things like mistakes, compromises, or lukewarm devotion. We tell ourselves that a little impatience, a little dishonesty, or a little laziness is just part of life.

But, just as the Japanese company refused to settle for mediocrity, God calls us to reject a “good enough” mentality in our spiritual lives. He calls us to a higher standard of excellence. He doesn’t want us to aim for the minimum, but wants us to pursue holiness and excellence in everything we do.

It’s easy to find ourselves thinking, “It’s okay to make a few mistakes. God’s grace will cover me.” But in Romans 6, Paul challenges this mindset. He asks the question, "Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase?" and then he answers with a strong “By no means!”

We’ve been given grace not so that we can keep living in sin, but so we can be transformed and live in a way that honors God. So, instead of asking, "What’s the least I can do and still be saved?", we need to ask instead, "How can I live fully for God in every area of my life?"

We’ve got to shift our mindset from acceptable to excellent. Don’t settle for a faith that just meets the minimum requirements. Instead, strive for excellence in every area of your life, knowing that God’s grace empowers us to live differently.

Lord, help me to reject complacency in my faith. Show me those areas where I’ve settled for “good enough” and give me the courage to pursue excellence. Transform my heart and mind so that I can live in a way that truly honors you. In Jesus’ name, amen."