Don't Settle for Less Than God's Best
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2
Nelson Mandela once said, “There is no passion to be found in playing small – in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.”
Have you ever settled for something when you knew you deserved better? Have you ever accepted a relationship when your heart told you it wasn’t right? Throughout our lives, we are faced with crucial moments that test our integrity and decision-making. As terrifying as these moments are, they can end up making an impact on your life in incredible ways.
So how do we not settle within our relationship with Christ? You might’ve heard this growing up in Sunday school classes, but I love it: “Don’t settle for less than God’s best.”
The promises of the Bible are huge and amazing, yet we continue to live for less on Earth. Romans 12:2 tells us this: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
The first sentence of the verse reminds us not to conform to our world. I know I need that reminder every single day! What are your temptations of settling? What keeps you away from the perfect will and love of God?
When you can recognize them, it’s a little bit easier to rise above them. The will of God is described as “good and acceptable and perfect.” Perfect! We are constantly seeking for perfection on Earth in our relationships, bodies, grades, etc., but when in reality, the only true perfection exists in Heaven.
This fact of perfection is why settling for anything less of God’s love is just goofiness. Think about how amazing your life at camp is: your relationships are pure and Christ-centered, you aren’t focused on mediocre things, you’re nurturing your body with the best ingredients, you spend every day in worship, and in short, you are joyful. At camp, you don’t settle; you thrive every single day. Because of the will of God, we do have so much to be joyful about! There truly is no reason to settle.
Don’t rush it. Waiting is worth whatever God is going to bring you. You are a precious and wonderful gem who deserves every gift that God has planned for you, so don’t settle for anything less.
One of our biggest temptations is “to take what we can get,” instead of waiting for “the best that is yet to come.” Just remember what Psalm 31:24 tells us, “Be strong, be courageous, all you that hope in the Lord.” Don’t settle for a life less than the abundant one you could be living!