I never did figure a man hired to do a job should just do it the easiest way. I figure a man should do the best he knows how.”
–Louis L’Amour (The Lonely Men)
“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going.”
“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going.”
–Ecclesiastes 9:10(NKJV)
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Mediocrity! That is a term that leaves a vile distaste in my mouth, yet that is the predominant view and effort in today’s society. People are satisfied to just get by, go through the motions, and live a hum-drum existence. Perhaps that’s why I’m in awe of some top-notch craftsman. I enjoy watching the best at what they do, whether they are professional or it is just a part of their daily life. I remember Ty Murray saying that he didn’t understand when athletes say they will have to take it up a notch. He said that he always did his best on every ride.
I have been reading the history of Israel–the books of Samuel and Kings. My, my, they were a messed up people. They lived in a world that believed in many gods, and the shame is that the Israelites took to their gods along with Yahweh. At times it seems that they were fighting the gods of these pagan people, at other times they compromised and took part in their ugly, wicked worship.
Remember, Psalm 71 is an “old-age” Psalm. At the end of life what will be your thoughts and actions? Today we finish with Psalm 71 and as you contemplate the words of the Psalm reflect on the world of Israel when it was written, then compare it to the world in which we live.
19 — Also Your righteousness, O God, is very high, You who have done great things; O God, who is like You?
20 — You, who have shown me great and severe troubles, shall revive me again, and bring me up again from the depths of the earth.
21 — You shall increase my greatness, and comfort me on every side.
22 — Also with the lute I will praise You–and Your faithfulness, O my God! To You I will sing with the harp, O Holy One of Israel.
23 — My lips shall greatly rejoice when I sing to You, and my soul, which You have redeemed.
24 — My tongue also shall talk of Your righteousness all the day long; for they are confounded, for they are brought to shame who seek my hurt. (NKJV)
We don’t praise mediocrity, but we will stand and clap for a performance that is above the ordinary. And even at, say a performance, people will give a standing ovation for a mediocre performance. Why? Perhaps it is because there is so little real professionalism around.
Then, why do we worship and praise gods and performances that are so under par? Who can compare with God? Certainly not an entertainer no matter how good they are. They cannot meet the needs of the soul. Wealth can’t get you out of the grave, yet people pursue it like a god that can meet all their needs. Idols, other gods–silliness.
Nothing, no one, can compare with the Lord God Almighty who is our refuge.
“Great God of wonders!
All thy ways are matchless, Godlike and divine;
But the fair glories of thy grace,
More Godlike and unrivaled shine.”
–Samuel Davies
—————————————-
Mediocrity! That is a term that leaves a vile distaste in my mouth, yet that is the predominant view and effort in today’s society. People are satisfied to just get by, go through the motions, and live a hum-drum existence. Perhaps that’s why I’m in awe of some top-notch craftsman. I enjoy watching the best at what they do, whether they are professional or it is just a part of their daily life. I remember Ty Murray saying that he didn’t understand when athletes say they will have to take it up a notch. He said that he always did his best on every ride.
I have been reading the history of Israel–the books of Samuel and Kings. My, my, they were a messed up people. They lived in a world that believed in many gods, and the shame is that the Israelites took to their gods along with Yahweh. At times it seems that they were fighting the gods of these pagan people, at other times they compromised and took part in their ugly, wicked worship.
Remember, Psalm 71 is an “old-age” Psalm. At the end of life what will be your thoughts and actions? Today we finish with Psalm 71 and as you contemplate the words of the Psalm reflect on the world of Israel when it was written, then compare it to the world in which we live.
19 — Also Your righteousness, O God, is very high, You who have done great things; O God, who is like You?
20 — You, who have shown me great and severe troubles, shall revive me again, and bring me up again from the depths of the earth.
21 — You shall increase my greatness, and comfort me on every side.
22 — Also with the lute I will praise You–and Your faithfulness, O my God! To You I will sing with the harp, O Holy One of Israel.
23 — My lips shall greatly rejoice when I sing to You, and my soul, which You have redeemed.
24 — My tongue also shall talk of Your righteousness all the day long; for they are confounded, for they are brought to shame who seek my hurt. (NKJV)
We don’t praise mediocrity, but we will stand and clap for a performance that is above the ordinary. And even at, say a performance, people will give a standing ovation for a mediocre performance. Why? Perhaps it is because there is so little real professionalism around.
Then, why do we worship and praise gods and performances that are so under par? Who can compare with God? Certainly not an entertainer no matter how good they are. They cannot meet the needs of the soul. Wealth can’t get you out of the grave, yet people pursue it like a god that can meet all their needs. Idols, other gods–silliness.
Nothing, no one, can compare with the Lord God Almighty who is our refuge.
“Great God of wonders!
All thy ways are matchless, Godlike and divine;
But the fair glories of thy grace,
More Godlike and unrivaled shine.”
–Samuel Davies