Setting the Bar
First Published May 4, 2011
Romans 12:2
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will.
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Recently I was watching a television show host interviewing a prominent actor. His career spanned decades during which time he had the opportunity to play many roles on stage and on the screen.
The host asked several questions about the actor’s goals when he was young. The actor had many aspirations, some changing over time. Yet, he took the time to hone his craft of acting, earning him academy awards. The actor also spent time learning other skills for which he received praise among artists and musicians.
When the host asked about what advice the actor had for young people, the actor said that they should not have high expectations. They should not have high standards in life.
Did the host probe this line of thinking? Nope. I was stunned that this renowned actor would advocate mediocrity. He was missing a crucial point about life.
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Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things. (Philippians 4:8)
In Philippians 4:8 we see Paul summing up his proclamation about the secret of true joy in life (vs 4-7). This exhortation includes prayer, thanksgiving, and gentleness, which then is capped with excellent thought.
Our soul is constantly under attack by temptations and our first line of defense is our mind. Sing for Joy. Shout for Joy. Praise the Almighty aloud. Set the bar high by filling our mind with excellent things, and joy will surely follow.
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Dear Lord, I pray for those who accept mediocrity, for their joy is not full. Please help us all to set the bar toward excellence, that our joy and walk in you may be great. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Copyright 2011 Karen Vaughn
Romans 12:2
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will.
**** ****
Recently I was watching a television show host interviewing a prominent actor. His career spanned decades during which time he had the opportunity to play many roles on stage and on the screen.
The host asked several questions about the actor’s goals when he was young. The actor had many aspirations, some changing over time. Yet, he took the time to hone his craft of acting, earning him academy awards. The actor also spent time learning other skills for which he received praise among artists and musicians.
When the host asked about what advice the actor had for young people, the actor said that they should not have high expectations. They should not have high standards in life.
Did the host probe this line of thinking? Nope. I was stunned that this renowned actor would advocate mediocrity. He was missing a crucial point about life.
**** ****
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things. (Philippians 4:8)
In Philippians 4:8 we see Paul summing up his proclamation about the secret of true joy in life (vs 4-7). This exhortation includes prayer, thanksgiving, and gentleness, which then is capped with excellent thought.
Our soul is constantly under attack by temptations and our first line of defense is our mind. Sing for Joy. Shout for Joy. Praise the Almighty aloud. Set the bar high by filling our mind with excellent things, and joy will surely follow.
**** ****
Dear Lord, I pray for those who accept mediocrity, for their joy is not full. Please help us all to set the bar toward excellence, that our joy and walk in you may be great. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Copyright 2011 Karen Vaughn
posted by Karen Vaughn | 6:46 AM
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