Read: Matthew 7:7-12; Genesis 13
Many years ago, my husband and I needed to buy a washer and dryer. As our first major purchase, this was an exciting venture. I was also terrified because it was going to be expensive. As we walked through the aisles in the appliance store, I found myself considering the price more than the features or brand reputation. I looked for what was good enough instead of what I really wanted or needed for the long term. Then I saw a wonderful Whirlpool set that had extra-large capacity and multiple temperatures as well as wash and dry cycle features. It looked perfect!
WISER CHOICE = GREATER COST
I stood there debating the pros and cons of the bare bones machines that would meet the needs of our then small family of three versus the Whirlpool models. Frank told me, “You had better choose wisely because we aren’t buying another washer and dryer anytime soon.” His blunt statement of fact landed in my gut. I felt torn between my deep-rooted pattern of resignation to just scraping by. I knew that the wiser choice had a greater cost.
GOOD CHOICES WHICH ARE NOT QUITE GOOD ENOUGH
This story reminds me of a famous quote by Oswald Chambers. He said, “The greatest enemy of the life of faith in God is not sin, but good choices which are not quite good enough. The good is always the enemy of the best.” We could have bought those bare-bones machines, and they would have been good enough for that short chapter of our lives. Instead, we bought the Whirlpool set which saw us faithfully through twenty years. It lasted through years of family, kids’ sports, and grimy steel mill laundry. Frank’s words from that day often echoed through my head as I swapped loads from one machine to the other. I wondered if those basic no-name machines would have held up as well. I thank God regularly for gifts that are beyond what I hope for or imagine. He can guide me through the choices which are not quite good enough.
LOT’S CHOICE
A major decision regarding a choice is mentioned in Genesis 13. Abraham stands at a crossroads. He knows that it is necessary for him and his nephew Lot to part ways. Abraham tells Lot, “If you take the left, then I will go to the right; or, if you go to the right, then I will go to the left.” Lot selfishly chooses the better choice of land, the bountiful plains on which are located the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah.
In the long run, Lot’s choice is not good. Instead of bringing joy and prosperity, his choice brings death and destruction. His “good choice” was not quite good enough. “The good is always the enemy of the best.” Abraham trusted God to make the best choice for himself and his family.
What about you? Do you trust God to help you make choices? Where are you willing to settle for good that is not quite good enough? Jesus wants us to ask Him for the good gifts He has for us. We can do this by praying for wisdom, listening to hear what He’s saying, and then finding His best and great gifts.
Click to read more about discovering God’s best for your life.