Why Settle?

Alternately Titled: M & M #5 (08/15/10)

I have noticed an interesting phenomenon: on June 30th there were seven women joining me in Scripture meditation and memorization; on July 30th there were none. Where have all the Jesus girls gone?!

I have a tendency toward "all or none" thinking. When I do something I intend to do it the right way every time, fully participating to the best of my ability. The unfortunate thing about thinking this way (I think maybe it's called "perfectionism") is that if I fail in any way, I would rather quit altogether. Somehow, quitting trying is less humiliating than trying and messing up. For example, if I want to lose weight, my plan will be to eat absolutely right every single day AND exercise several times per week. But if I give in to the urge to have that dessert, my mind insists that "I've already screwed up now. May as well just give up completely." and I dive head-first into a massive binge.

I wonder if some of my M&M girls here are afflicted with that same tragic thinking?

Whether you were on holidays and didn't have time to work on memorizing Scripture or you were still stumped by your previous verse and weren't ready to add another, I want you to know that it is never too late to jump back in! It actually is better to try, try again (and keep on messing up) than it is to just throw in the towel. We all know that anything worth having takes hard work and determination to get there. Perseverance says a lot about a girl's character.

Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. ~Romans 5:3-4

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
~Hebrews 12:1

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
~James 1:2-4

For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.
~2 Peter1:5-7

Yes, my sisters, this M&M thing is HARD WORK. But the work of burying God's Word in our hearts pays eternal dividends. Do not give up! You CAN do this thing! Don't have your last verse memorized? Write it down once again in the comments and keep on trying! Who's with me in this?!

I don't know about you, but I am not satisfied with "good enough." When my handy husband is working on a job around the house and I hear him utter those words, I get ticked off! Because doing something just good enough to get by means that we are capable of doing "great," but we allowed ourselves to get distracted, grow weary, give up, and settle for less than greatness.

Would you ever stop after eating just one or two M&Ms, when the entire bag is sitting on the counter calling out your name? (I mean, if you're having a non-dieting binge kinda day.) God's Word is more delicious than even the most yummy, non-melty, candy-coated chocolate you can find! (Taste and see that the Lord is good!*)

Let's not settle for being "good enough" Jesus girls; rather, let us encourage one another to strive for greatness! Go ahead, eat the whole bag!

(Ahem. Stepping off soapbox now. grin)

If you managed to tackle your last verse, go ahead and quote it in the comments from memory (or feel free to do so on your blog, but leave a comment here so we all know to come visit you and encourage you).

Here's mine:
But seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
~Matthew 6:33

Also for the comments (or your blog) - what verse will you be working on until the end of the month?

Mine is:
For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.
~2 Peter1:5-7


* See Psalm 34:8.