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Oct 17, 2023 18:30pm

Don’t Settle for Mediocre

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A teacher handed back my paper.

B-

Not too bad. But when I looked at my friend’s grade, I was confused. She had received an A. We had the same assignment, we had even worked on it together providing almost identical answers. How could hers be an A when I received a B?

I went to the teacher’s desk and asked this same question. I figured she had made a mistake and would give me an A.

But that’s not how it worked out.

“I know the grade I gave you, because that’s the grade you earned. And yes, I know your answers are almost identical to hers, and that’s why you have received this grade.”

I was so confused. This teacher was not making sense. I felt like if I could just talk to her a little more she would finally understand.

“Yalanda. You are capable of greater work than what you did. You can write better than this. While these answers are sufficient for someone less proficient in writing, they are not for someone who has excelled in this area. You can do and have done better. I expect more from you.”

Luke 12:42-48

“And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season? Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath. But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken; The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers. And that servant, which knew his lord’s will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.”

Two major points are found in this passage.

1. Are you being faithful to the Master while He’s away?

2. Those with more are at greater responsibility to do more.

The first point makes me think of the parents going away and the kids deciding to throw a party. Isn’t that like the storyline of almost every 80s/90s movie? They don’t think they are coming home until the next day so they know there will be plenty of time, but, the parents come home early.

Out of the two children, one being 15 and the other 17, which do you think will be in the most trouble?

This is where our second point comes into play. My Bible commentary states it this way, “The more resources, talent, and understanding we have, the more responsible we are to use them effectively.”

What are you doing with the gifts and knowledge the Lord has given you? Are you being a good steward of the Master’s resources until He returns?

How can we use what we have to bring glory to the Father? To make His name known, to bring others to Him? Maybe it’s something as simple as inviting a friend over for coffee and listening and sharing about Jesus’ love. Or perhaps it’s leading a Bible study, forming a small group to meet in your home, or writing a book. Maybe it’s using your funds to be a blessing to the church, to a ministry or a family in need. The list could go on and on, but God has gifted you for a reason.

Don’t settle for mediocre. Use that to bring God glory!