Your very best...

 Today's Readings: OT - Judges 19:1-21 / NT - Matthew 13:1-23

"As for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.” - Matthew 13:23

As you browse through any book store you may find such titles as "Three Steps to Success " or " Four Keys to a Better You". Such books suggest a guaranteed accomplishment if the right moves are made. But, we will find that life is less predictable. Some people are more fruitful than others and the same steps will often produce varied results. Wisdom suggests to do our very best and find joy in the results.

When we read about the seed that was sown on good soil, it is a relief to find differing outcomes. No matter how "good" the soil may be and how carefully it is nurtured, the yield may be a hundredfold, or sixty or thirty. The soil is what it is, and there is no five step secret that will produce a hundredfold. Do your very best and find joy in the results.

Are you driven toward goals achieved by others my friend? Do you feel as if you've failed when you don't have a "big win"? Have you been brainwashed into believing that "second place" is "first loser"? Why not serve the Lord by doing your very best and rejoice in the results?  

Tomorrow's Readings: OT - Judges 19:22-30 /  NT - Matthew 13:24-43