“Why not your best?”

A few years ago on the TV program, Jeopardy, the final question was, “How many steps does the guard take during his walk across the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier?”

All three contestants missed it. The correct answer is 21 alluding to the 21-gun salute the highest honor given any military or foreign dignitary.

Those who guard the memorial to the unknown fallen heroes make the following commitments:
* Live 2 years in a barracks beneath the tomb.
* Cannot drink alcohol on or off duty for the rest of their lives.
* Cannot swear in public for the rest of their lives.
* Cannot disgrace the uniform in any way.

After their two year commitment is up, they are given a wreath to wear signifying they served at the tomb. Presently less than 700 are worn. The guards must obey these rules for the rest of their lives, or surrender the wreath.

Webster’s Dictionary describes “Best” as, “The most excellent, surpassing all others in the most excellent manner in the most suitable way.”

The word best occurs 25 times in scripture. In Genesis Pharaoh told Joseph to give his family the best land in Egypt. The Father in Luke 15 told his servants to give his Prodigal son the best robe. The Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 13 said, “Covet earnestly the best gifts.”

Great leaders, regardless of the opportunity, give their very best in three ways:

First, they give their best energies to their most important relationships; their God, their family (natural and spiritual) and their marketplace ministry.

Second, they give their best resources to their highest priorities; their “seed,” (tithes and offerings) to expand God’s Kingdom on earth. Their savings investment in their family’s future, and stewarding all other resources wisely in living life to its fullest.

Third, they give their best attitudes to their deepest disappointments. They develop a Spirit of Love for those who would harm them. A Spirit of Faith for unanswered prayer, and a Spirit of Hope for the best days that are yet to come.

God gave you his very best in giving his only Son, Jesus. Jesus gave us his very best from making furniture in his dad’s carpenter shop to dying on the cross in our place.

If you aren’t giving your very best to every task, every day—why not?