A BAR TOO LOW
“At least I told you about it,” he said, pointing out his honesty despite his screw up.
“Well, you know I appreciate that, but you also know it’s expected – that’s a given,” I responded chuckling in light of a somewhat serious scenario.
“Yeah, I know, I’m just looking for the best in a bad situation,” he answered with a nervous laugh.
“I hear you. I appreciate your honesty, but you know you are grasping in desperation and are holding the bar woefully low when you start with the words, ‘At least,’ don’t you?” I asked smiling.
“Yeah, that’s the bottom I guess, ‘At least’ says it all,” he chuckled as the mood lightened.
“I can’t tell you how many times I’ve used those words myself,” I admitted.
I’d never really pondered the depths of those words, “At Least,” in my life until that very moment. All of life is about perspective and attitude. The more mature we get, which is eerily linked to the amount of years I’ve been wandering this dusty planet, at least in my neck of the rocks, the more we grasp that a higher standard is an honorable attitude and perspective.
The times we fail, and we all fail, with the bar set higher, says everything about who we are. Although I’ve used the pathetic words, “Good enough” in my life, I now cringe when I hear someone lean against them and set a bar too low. It sounds like a compromise of character.
I can’t recall how many times I heard the adage, “If it’s worth doing – it’s worth doing right,” as a youngster. Folks used to use that quote on kids that were slacking or taking short cuts… no wonder I heard it so often… Who we are in our heart is closer to us than our shadow. Who we are guides the actions that can be spotted in our lives and in our shadows as we conduct ourselves in the most basic of everyday scenarios.
None of us are perfect and our actions, and sometimes lack thereof, are the opposite of honorable, but giving in to the weakness of our flesh and surrendering it is a victory for the enemy and this world. Sometimes it feels like we’re fighting a losing battle in this world and striving for our best in all cases is of little value and has diminishing returns, but I think it’s just the opposite.
The words of Christ are ever present in us and are revealed in our actions, “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.” When I witness a person doing what they do with a good attitude and striving for their best, even while making mistakes, in any endeavor, I’m encouraged. It’s simple yet powerful honesty.
When a person does less than their best and justifies it in their mind and heart they’re lying to themselves, the worst kind of dishonesty their actions betray them… “At least” that’s my opinion…
Sunday, March 16, 2014 @ 5:32 pm
“At last”, said Diogenes “I can put down my lamp – I’ve found an honest man.”
Monday, March 17, 2014 @ 6:21 pm
You’re beyond me, brother! I had to look this up! Still don’t know who the honest man was!
Monday, March 17, 2014 @ 8:23 pm
The apocryphal story was that Diogenes went about ancient Greece vainly searching for an honest man. You are that honest man, brother man – I can set the lantern down.
Tuesday, March 18, 2014 @ 6:02 pm
Oh! I get it! I’m a bit slow… They say the simple are the honest! That’s a kind compliment, but I’m not even close to being perfect and I can only strive as you do to be that man, but I appreciate the words and lesson! Thanks, Rick.
Sunday, March 16, 2014 @ 6:38 pm
Boy, you covered a lot of spiritual, emotional, and mental therapy. Some of it fits so into my constant “filled with frustration” portion. I want to be perfect, so to speak, and want to serve the Lord moment-by-moment. But, lack of perfection hits me again and again. “At Least” I can trust the Lord. All I can ever do. And, when in heaven, I hope I will discover how the pieces have come together. So grateful for His forgiveness. And, as usual, ya dun good, Bro.
Monday, March 17, 2014 @ 6:23 pm
Awe, thanks, Joanne. You’re always too good to me, but I appreciate it. I think you and I are on the same page this week. May He lift you high on the clouds and in His hands.
Sunday, March 16, 2014 @ 6:49 pm
I’ve tried to live by brother Wooden’s words, “If you don’t have time to do something right, when will you have time to do it over?” It has pushed me through so many times, knowing I didn’t want to redo something later. You don’t win 88 games in a row without doing a lot of things right the first time. Or at least trying with a good attitude, like you wrote. Oh how my prayer is to be entrusted with much. You my friend, are a person of that precise worth, a person to whom much has been entrusted. Praising God for your great attitude and desire to walk with Him, doing your best the first time.
Monday, March 17, 2014 @ 6:24 pm
I like you, Audra have learned the hard way over time. In the end nothing has value if we took a shortcut… even, or maybe even specifically if we’re the only one who knows about it. Thanks for your kind words, Audra. I truly appreciate it coming from you, sister.
Sunday, March 16, 2014 @ 9:56 pm
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard that quote from others. “At least I didn’t do this or that”. We live in a time of compromise and looking for the easy way. It’s a different world than we grew up in. I’m afraid we are becoming extinct. I certainly have my faults, but they are not making excuses or looking for the easy way. I’m certainly glad that one day Christ will return and straiten things out. 🙂
Monday, March 17, 2014 @ 6:29 pm
Yeah, we are dinosaurs, Mike. But we sleep at night! Compromising is the beginning of failure, brother. Thanks for the reminder and your passion to do everything you do with honor!
Monday, March 17, 2014 @ 1:30 am
I must admit that at times I place the bar too low. I like nice things, but if it is “Good enough” that suits me fine. Some of my friends are perfectionists, and sorry to say they are so stressed if things aren’t perfect, that I relax sit back and like my own way of living.
One thing I do count on and that is God and my husband both think I am perfect.
Thank you for sharing this at “Tell Me a Story.”
Monday, March 17, 2014 @ 6:31 pm
You can add me to that list too, Hazel! I think you’re perfect and have the perfect attitude! And you don’t have a hypocritical bone in your body! Thanks, Hazel. And thanks for letting me share this at your wonderful blog hop!
Monday, March 17, 2014 @ 2:33 am
Okay so let’s do a body slam. I am not a perfectionist. A Sanguine rarely is. In carpentry you do not want me building your house because it is “close enough.” I have learned to back off from what I am not good at and allow those who “do it right” to take over. Wonder why I do that. Close enough was never good enough for basketball. Now…you just took away my best excuse for not being more precise. At least I try. 🙂
Monday, March 17, 2014 @ 6:32 pm
There’s something to be said for the wise person that knows when to allow others to do what they can’t! Trust me! I know that one pretty well too! Thanks, Bill.
Monday, March 17, 2014 @ 3:25 am
Wow, Floyd! I never realized the implications of saying, “At least. . .” Great post, my friend!
Monday, March 17, 2014 @ 6:33 pm
I don’t think you have too much to worry about, Pam! You’re not one given to taking short cuts! Thanks, Pam.
Monday, March 17, 2014 @ 7:03 am
In a couple of weeks at The High Calling we’ll spend a whole week talking about mediocrity. It really runs counter to the Gospel. But we have equated striving as “perfectionism” and “Working for salvation” or “appeasing man”. Instead, in the right context, it’s about doing our best for the glory of God. He gave us gifts — we shoulde use them for his purpose and glory
Monday, March 17, 2014 @ 6:35 pm
Amen, David! I’ll be checking that out! Thanks for the heads up.
Monday, March 17, 2014 @ 8:54 am
This is taken from a song I love, “the ground is level at the foot of the cross.” That alone should humble us to drop the, “at least” and put our efforts into, more of you Jesus so I can do my best for you. Without Him I can do nothing, without Him I’d surely fail, and without Him life would be hopeless, like a ship without a sail. (from the song Without Him). Good post brother.
Monday, March 17, 2014 @ 6:37 pm
I cherish that line, Betty and use it often, “The ground is level at the foot of the cross.” That says it all. If we have nothing else, we should have the honor in us that He deserves! Well said, wise hearted sister!
Monday, March 17, 2014 @ 12:43 pm
Yeah, there is no such thing as “Christian Limbo” – how low can you go?
We should concentrate more on the high bar – how far can we leap with the strength of the Lord? Sometimes I’m either looking to lower the bar, or to just give up completely because it’s too high.
I’ll never be perfect – but with His help, I hope to become excellent.
GOD BLESS!
Monday, March 17, 2014 @ 6:39 pm
Yes! I like that analogy! We can’t clear anything, but with our Father as the hand under us He can lift us all the way to heaven! Excellent comment! You might already be there, sister! Thanks, Sharon. Blessing to you, sister!
Monday, March 17, 2014 @ 2:41 pm
I believe the only low we should strive for is when we are prostrating ourselves at our Lord’s feet. Otherwise, our aim should be as high as the heavens, without compromise. Lack of compromise took our Savior to the cross; and it will cost us too. But, in the end, and we already know the ending, it will all be worth it. Great post my brother.
Monday, March 17, 2014 @ 6:40 pm
Nice! “The only low we should strive for is when we are prostrating ourselves at our Lord’s feet.” Awesome! We shouldn’t compromise what doesn’t belong to us! Wonderful wisdom, Betty Jo… Wonderful. Thanks so much, sister.
Monday, March 17, 2014 @ 3:25 pm
I’ve said “at least” so many times myself. I’ve never thought about them like this. Such a different perspective I’m going to soak in.
Monday, March 17, 2014 @ 6:41 pm
I’m with you, Amy. It hit me like a ton of bricks that day. Funny how we say things and rarely ponder its meaning. I gotta work on that. Thanks, Amy!
Tuesday, March 18, 2014 @ 7:55 am
“Don’t complain,
blame,
or explain.”
~ one of my favorite sayings (from Chris Hogan of Noble Call, in one of his couples communication teachings)
We use it in all capacities around here. Works good. Now all I have to say is “Don’t” and my fellers chant out the rest. Of course I have to say it to myself every now and then too. 😉
Tuesday, March 18, 2014 @ 6:04 pm
I like it! I’ll have to add that to my light repertoire! I might have to remind myself of that daily! Thanks for sharing that, Darlene!
Tuesday, March 18, 2014 @ 2:00 pm
Amen and well said!
My dad was a man of many mistakes, but he was also a man of integrity. If said he’d do something, he would. I think of him when I endeavor to do new things.
When I see people settling for less, I wonder I can help but wonder what example they had growing up.
Tuesday, March 18, 2014 @ 6:06 pm
You and I got a front row seat to honor, TC. Man I can’t tell you how it’s given me such blessings and strength. We don’t have to worry, our Father has our back… Thanks for reminding me of the heritage that you and I share. What a blessing! Thanks, TC.
Wednesday, March 19, 2014 @ 1:33 pm
Floyd,
Great wisdom and truth here:” “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.”
and what you said in another part of your post…yes, who we are in the shadows when no one but God sees is who we are…thankful for His grace and His Spirit to empower us to live above our natural flesh, yet also grace to forgive when we repent…blessings to you 🙂
Wednesday, March 19, 2014 @ 9:51 pm
“Yet also grace to forgive when we repent.” Yes. Good call. Perfect reminder of the One who is perfect on our behalf. Good call! Thanks, Dolly.
Wednesday, March 19, 2014 @ 2:50 pm
Like your ending–I see what you did there. 🙂 There is definitely room for excellence in this life! We are to do everything heartily as to the Lord, working for Him and not for man. I think where some get caught up though is perfectionism. They want everything to be “perfect” so they never use what they have to bless anyone else. They can justify it in the name of not “half-a**ing” it (sorry couldn’t think of a better term). I think we all set the standard at the best of our ability through His grace, then “good enough” would take on a whole new meaning. Good thoughts here, Floyd! Thank you.
Wednesday, March 19, 2014 @ 9:53 pm
I like the way you said that, Jason. Sometimes we got a call a spade a spade. You’re right. We tend to justify ourselves in our actions or lack of them. Love the wisdom, brother. Thanks, Jason.
Wednesday, March 19, 2014 @ 6:05 pm
Oh good one! This reminds me of the saying, “I’m sorry, but…”. I think you could put this right beside the, “At least…” for the worst kind of dishonesty of lying to ones self. Either one is sorry or they are not there is no in between.
Great thought provoking post, thanks!
Blessings.
Thursday, March 20, 2014 @ 6:42 am
Yes! Awesome comparison! Those two do go hand in hand! Nothing worse than lying to oneself, the worst kind of lies… Thanks for adding that!
Thursday, March 20, 2014 @ 9:26 am
I think having a personal standard of excellence is so crucial. It’s about putting the bar higher than anyone would ever put for you, in every area of our life. It’s what I strive (and most successful people) do. Great post my friend.
Thursday, March 20, 2014 @ 6:24 pm
Yeah, I know that about you, Dan. I respect the way you conduct yourself in all aspects of your life… and I’m looking forward to the next time in your area when we can hook up over coffee or lunch again! Keep up the good race, brother.
Tuesday, March 25, 2014 @ 8:47 pm
Thank you:) I try.
Thursday, March 27, 2014 @ 5:28 pm
And succeed, my friend!
Thursday, March 20, 2014 @ 4:48 pm
Great post, Floyd. It brought a couple of things to my mind.
The adage, “Actions speak louder than words,” isn’t just a saying. It’s an important truth, that can have painful consequences if one relies on words alone.
Your post also brought to mind a scripture, and I’ve been trying to find it all week… don’t-cha love it when you can think of the general intent of the scripture, but can’t conjure enough key words to find it in the bible, LOL… anyway, it basically says, “why do you seek praise for doing what you’re suppose to do?” I really wanted to find it in scripture to confirm, but if I remember correctly the idea is that even bad people can follow instructions – it’s the heart – the why about the doing that either pleases or doesn’t please God. George MacDonald asks, “Have you done one thing today because He told you to do it?” It’s a question I try to ask myself often. Have a blessed week!
PS if you find that scripture, please let me know 🙂
Thursday, March 20, 2014 @ 6:32 pm
Now you’ve got it bugging me! I’ll look for that verse! It might take the weekend to find it, but I’m gonna try! Being obedient and searching our hearts with His truth has a way of paying huge dividends. Not always easy, but always profitable. Wonderful comment. Thanks, and thanks for the smile, June!
Thursday, March 20, 2014 @ 9:19 pm
This reminds me that I need balance. Perfectionism can kill you and so can apathy.
Friday, March 21, 2014 @ 4:42 pm
Well said, Caleb. Thanks brother. Much wisdom in few words…