Resist the Temptation to Settle for Good Enough!

These are challenging days in so many ways!  We are entering into Year Three of the Covid Pandemic. Every aspect of our lives is experiencing some sort of turmoil. This turmoil affects our faith, our congregations, our relationships. Congregational leaders are confronting issues that they’ve never thought about. Pastoral leaders are barely surviving in the midst of the chaos.

The smart money is too lay low. Many warn against challenging the status quo. For now, many would prefer that we just settle for good enough, rest on our laurels, take things slow for the time being. And, there is noting wrong with this; yet, the price may be too high.    

However, to settle is to surrender. While our energy levels and our motivations to lead may be low, this is not the time to give in. You don’t have to completely re-work the whole culture of your congregation. You don’t have to have ALL the answers to the questions presenting themselves. Just resist the temptation to settle for good enough!

If we were coaching, I’d ask you, “What is the ONE thing that you think you need to work on right now? What are the consequences of ignoring this? What are the benefits to tackling this? What do you need to jump in? What is the cost if you settle?” We would explore this carefully. We would develop an action plan. We would agree to seek excellence in this area. I know you’d find this hopeful.

Yes, we are all tired, even exhausted. Yes, our spirits are low and the way forward is unclear. Yet, working on a critical task is life-giving. Being intentional about making a way through is energizing.  Jesus came so that we might have life and have it more amazingly!   Lay down your fears and doubts. Claim the amazing goodness of God.  Resist the temptation to settle!

Focus on this prayer, "O Christ of the Resurrection, help me to live out my faith courageously refusing to settle for good enough. Help me to claim life more amazing. Amen!”

Let’s talk, let’s prioritize an area of your work, let’s refuse to settle for "good enough."