Inspired to Do Our Best

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"We're doing our best setting things right." (2 Co 6:7, The Message)

In 1907 Grant C. Tullar wrote, "Hear ye the Master's call, 'Give Me thy best!' For, be it great or small, that is His test. Do then the best you can, not for reward, not for the praise of man -- but for the Lord. Every work for Jesus will be blessed; but He asks from everyone his best. Our talents may be few, these may be small -- but unto Him is due our best, our all."

Are you giving your best? Or, like so many others, do you just cruise along merely doing only what is acceptable. Paul the Apostle said, "Whether we are at home with the Lord or away from him, we still try our best to please him" (2 Co 5:9 CEV). Indeed, we are called to do our best at setting things right in a world gone wrong. Nothing more could be asked, and nothing less would be acceptable.

The story is told of how the great Leonardo Da Vinci had started work on a large canvas in his studio. A few of his students watched as he worked at it -- choosing the subject, planning the perspective, sketching the outline, and applying the colors; all with his own inimitable genius. Then he unexpectedly paused, the painting still unfinished, and, summoning one of his students, invited him to step up and complete the work.

The student protested that he was unworthy and unable to complete the great painting which his master had begun. But Da Vinci answered, "Will not what I have done inspire you to do your best?"

Do you think that Jesus might be saying a similar thing to you?

Your life can honor God greatly, and benefit some many others in positive and lasting ways. Everything you need for this has alsready been provided by Jesus. Believe it, take hold of it, press on with it, and give it your best shot. Surely you can do no less, seeing how much He has done already.

Finish the painting, my friend -- for Jesus believes in you.
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