“So then both he who gives his own virgin daughter in marriage does well, and he who does not give her in marriage will do better. A wife is bound as long as her husband lives; but if her husband is dead, she is free to be married to whom she wishes, only in the Lord. But in my opinion she is happier if she remains as she is; and I think that I also have the Spirit of God” (1 Corinthians 7:38-40).
What is the better portion for you to do? We do have choices and sometimes they are a matter of good and better. Seek for excellence. Do not just settle for good enough, though it be a fine choice. You are called to come out of yourself and forward toward and into the Lord. Toward this goal, live urgently, for each day brings you closer to the prize. Know that He who is in You has already overcome all obstacles.
Lord, in this world, we can be tempted to settle for good enough, but there are those few who take the extra step toward what is exceptional. Help me to not live mechanically, but willingly, doing all I can and to the best of my ability. Stretch me Lord in the way I can and need to be stretched that I would live into a life that is all You know it can be, doing all You know I can do.
Lord Jesus, none of this is about grace, for Your grace alone saves me. This is about learning to become like You in all things. Guide me along this path that I would daily increase in Your likeness. Help me now and always to see that only in and through You am I able to exercise these gifts which You have given. Help me always that I may grow and be like You and become excellent in the gifts You have given me. Amen.
