Dying churches settle for “Good Enough”
You will constantly settle for adequate if you accept mediocrely. Life is a constant process of transformation, but progress is a choice. We frequently hear people say that it is better to be realistic and balance things out by being satisfied with a decent enough level. It's simply not feasible to attain perfection while pushing for it continuously. But what does that really mean?
Let's think about words that are frequently used to describe the word "good enough." Adequate * Passable * Sufficient * Tolerable * Settle. [To settle for, to accept or agree to something, or to decide to have something, although it is not exactly what you want, or it is not the best:] Keep in mind that we're not just talking about attaining objectives here; we're also discussing about your life. If you accept a "good enough" acceptable standard, you will repeat yourself again and again until you become comfortable and content with only good enough.
Many churches that are declining and dying find that they too are settling. It is a human tendency to convince ourselves that we are happy with things as they are and that we don't need more than what we currently have. This is called the "status quo bias." The status quo bias is a cognitive bias that refers to our tendency to prefer things to remain the same. We tend to think that the current state of affairs is the best state of affairs, even if it's not. We tend to be overly conservative because of this bias, which causes us to make choices that are suboptimal.
The problem with the status quo bias is that it can lead us to accept mediocrity. We become content with things as they are, even if they could be better. We convince ourselves that we don't need more than we have, even if we could have more. This can lead us to miss out on opportunities for growth and improvement.
It's important to recognize the status quo bias in order to avoid it. When you're considering a decision, ask yourself whether you're just trying to maintain the status quo. Are you afraid of change? Are you content with things as they are, even if they could be better? If so, it might be worth considering a different option. Declining churches need to ask themselves these questions more often.
Good enough is the enemy of great. If you're content with good enough, you'll never achieve greatness. Greatness requires striving for excellence and constantly pushing yourself to do better. So if you want to be great, don't settle for good enough. Aim for excellence instead.
Jesus does not want you to live lives of good enough or settling. He wants you to live lives of greatness. He wants you to strive for excellence. He wants you to push yourself to do better. So don't settle for good enough. Aim for greatness instead.
"But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: "God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble."" - James 4:6. Pursue humility, and greatness will come after. Many people would undoubtedly agree that each day of our lives should be lived to the utmost. How we achieve this "fullness of life" is a matter of debate and interpretation. Some people take a secular approach to happiness and fulfillment, while others follow the spiritual path. There are many roads in between for those who are searching for the most from life.
Jesus does not want you to live a life of good enough or settling. He wants you to live a life of greatness. He wants you to strive for excellence. He wants you to push yourself to do better. So don't settle for good enough. Aim for greatness instead. Pursue humility, and greatness will come after.
I believe that when Jesus talks about living a full life, he has something different in mind. In the first ten verses of John 10, Jesus addresses this crucial issue. “I came so that they may have life— to the absolute fullest,” he continues. He notes in verse 10 his mission on Earth: “I came so that they could have life — and I want them to live it fully.” What is the significance of “abundant life, life to the full” in Jesus' teachings? Could it be a life with enough food, good health, all the money we desire, and few problems to bother us? Did he come to deliver us from a life that was uncomfortable and time-consuming?
We should be reminded that life is not always a pleasant, peaceful experience. Sin has created a terrible disruption in the life that God intended for us. Jesus, on the other hand, is fully informed about this world's evil and immorality. He warns us of our suffering but also promises to send the Comforter, his Holy Spirit, to be with us always. (John 16:33) In the face of this world's evil, we have the hope that Jesus conquered sin and death on the cross. Because he lives, we can face anything!
Every day people settle for less than they deserve. They are only partially living or at best living a partial life. Every human being has the potential for greatness. ~Bo Bennett
To understand the difference between perfection and excellence consider the following comparison of character traits.
Perfection is outcome-oriented. Excellence is process-oriented.
Perfection fears failure. Excellence is a willingness to risk.
Perfection is doubtful. Excellence is confidence.
Perfection is the destination. Excellence is the journey.
Perfection is all about control. Excellence is all about letting go.
Perfection hates criticism. Excellence welcomes it as an opportunity to improve.
Perfection breeds arrogance and pridefulness. Excellence breeds gratitude and humility.
So, which one are you going to choose? Are you going to settle for good enough or strive for excellence? The choice is yours.
Don't settle for a life that is only good enough. Aim for excellence instead. Pursue humility, and greatness will come after. Jesus wants us to live lives of greatness, not mediocrity. We should aim for excellence in all that we do and not be content with just getting by. Let us strive to be our best and follow the example of Jesus Christ in all that we do.
