Seconds, Anyone?

Have you ever been at someone else’s home, enjoying a delicious meal when the host asked, “Would anyone like seconds?” Well, those are not the kind of seconds I have in mind.

Simon Peter, that bold, brash disciple of Jesus would probably know what I’m referring to. On more than one occasion, he’d turned left when he should have stayed straight; opened his mouth when he should have stayed silent; led when he should have followed. Pre-resurrection Simon became well-acquainted with those kinds of seconds – second chances. I have no difficulty whatsoever relating to Simon’s situation because I also am a significant beneficiary of God’s mercy, forgiveness, and the second chances that He gives me. Every day.

But there is another kind of “seconds” that is not and should not be a part of God’s kingdom. Many years ago, when I was assisting with a church’s recreation ministry, I attended a workshop which dealt with “best practices” in this area. The workshop leader emphasized the importance of doing things well and right, striving for excellence in all we do. And then he made a statement I have carried with me through the decades: “Remember, folks, holy shoddy is still shoddy.”

The earliest evidence that less than our very best is unacceptable to God is found in Genesis chapter 4. As a part of his worship, Cain brought to God some of his crops as an offering. We aren’t told exactly what was wrong with the grain, vegetables, or fruits. Perhaps bugs had gotten into the kernels of wheat; maybe the carrots had been grown in soil that wasn’t sandy enough; or the tomatoes were some Cain had waited too long to harvest. Whatever the issues were, God was not pleased.

Fast forward to the first century A.D. Paul clearly understood what God expected from him and from all people of faith. In a personal bit of advice, Paul instructed “fellow soldier” Archippus:

Do your best in the job
you received from the Master.
Do your very best.

– Colossians 4:17b (The Message)

I’ve heard this precept succinctly summarized this way:

God is a God of second chances.
But He doesn’t want our second best.

So, unless I am showing an example of what not to do, I do my very best to present an image that will be pleasing to God and give glory to Him.