There are two ways to approach life: (1) Minimum amount to make it through – we’ll call them “Min” or (2) Above and beyond expectations – we’ll call them “Max”. It’s not hard to see that most of the world falls into the first group of mins. The world probably appears quite overwhelming, bland, or complicated when you do the very least it takes just to get by. Complaining and dread are usually normal attributes in the daily life of the Min. But the Max, on the other hand, looks at life as an endless opportunity. If there is another bite left on the apple, the Max will take it. In the normal day of the Max, worry has no room nor place in life, and the word “can’t” is understood, but rarely embraced.

The world around us is jam packed with Mins. There are days it feels that we are running out of space in Mindom. But the Max world is wide open and not very populated. There are no long lines, the best fruit is always available, and it seems that favor shines all around them. The Min… views the Max world as spoiled, or elite… but the Max knows that it took long hours and only their best efforts to get there.

Just as it is in our faith life. For all of those who put very little into their faith… you get very little out. In fact, you live in a world that ends up questioning God and His provision for you. God demands our first fruits, our best effort, our ultimate attention. The Max understands this and gives all he has to his faith and lives in the glowing light of Christ all around him. Sure both have good days and bad days… but life is abundant for the Max… and usually only tolerable for the mins.

If you find yourself living in worry, concern, and wondering where God is in your life… take a look at what you are putting into your faith life. The minimum or the maximum?

Doesn’t God deserve our best efforts? And doesn’t it seem natural that the best way to honor God is to use the gifts he’s given you at their maximum potential? Push your way out of the Min crowd… and move over to the wide open spaces of the Max life. God created you to make a difference and live life abundantly… but it takes a little effort.

Peace,
Greg Arnold
Acts 4:31
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