Do Your Best

Doing your best in anything you do is one of the most important you can accomplish in life. I am not sure how many of you are familiar with the writings of T. B. Larimore. He was the most noted preacher of the 19th and 20th centuries. Brother Larimore was the preacher at the Ryman in Nashville, TN, of which thousands were present for his series of sermons and are still talked about to this day.

T.B. Larimore (1843-1922) said, “When my had is still, my tongue silent and my eyes closed; when friends come to look on my pale face, I want them to be able to say, at least, he did the best he could.”

Your Best – What the Bible Says

Jesus told a parable in which one man failed to do the best he could. Matthew 25:14-30. Three men each with differing abilities were given talents. One received five talents, another received two talents and the last one received one talent. Those who received five and two talents increased their capital. Each was praised be his Lord, “well done, thou good and faithful servant.” The man who received one talent was a different story. He failed to gain any more talent for his Lord. When the Lord returned, he was rebuked, “thou wicked and slothful servant.” He was cast into outer darkness. He had failed to give his best. The point to the parable (do your best) should not be lost to any of us.

The profit Malachi rebuked the people of his day for their failure to do the best they could. They failed to bring God the best in a sacrifice, but were content to bring the lame and the sick. Malachi 1:13. God deserved better. Because God deserved the best they had.

Your Best – Conclusion

In conclusion, are we really doing our best? In attendance, are we doing our best? Is your involvement in the local congregation, is it your best you can be? So, are we living our life in such a way that it is your best you can do?

Even when we do our best, it is important to remember these words of Jesus: “So likewise when you have done all those things which are commanded of you, say, we are unprofitable servants; we have done that which was our duty to do.” Luke 17:10. God gave the best of Heaven. As a result, what will we give Him in return? Are you satisfied with your life? Most noteworthy, you can make everything right by obeying His commands and living for Him each day.

In Christian Love,
Bill Arnold, Minister
Ridgeway Church of Christ
Harrison, Arkansas