“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.”
– Colossians 3:23-25 (ESV)

Basketball coaching legend John Wooden once said, “Being average means you’re as close to the bottom as you are to the top.” When we stop and think about those words for a moment, they are profound. How often do we settle for less than our best?

Longtime NFL coach Tony Dungy is a man who dared to be different by demanding excellence from his players and coaches. He chose to put faith and humility at the center of his life and his career. Coach Dungy believes being an excellent coach means doing everything as well as you can do it. From handling players to running practices, Dungy believes it’s all about giving your best to the Lord. Coach Dungy says, “As followers of Jesus Christ, it’s great to be able to show the world that yes, we can do it the Lord’s way, but we can be excellent while we do it.” Our challenge is to strive for excellence in all we do. We must live out excellence not only on the field or court, but also in our classrooms, churches, homes and communities. Striving for excellence in our lives is an act of worship to an Almighty God who is worthy of our best.

Heavenly Father, You gave Your best when You sent Your Son to die an agonizing death on the cross for my sin. Push me today to give You and those You have placed in my life my very best. Keep me Father from settling for average. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.