Almost Is Not Acceptable

We live in the world of the almost. We almost stop at stop signs. We almost go the speed limit. We almost make it on time. We almost win. We almost caught the bus. What does each of these mean? We didn't stop, we didn't obey the speed limit, we were late and we lost. Each of these represents the failure to accomplish what we intended, otherwise we wouldn't have used the word "almost."

The problem isn't in trying and failing at the almost line. We seem to accept the almost as good enough. We tell ourselves that we should be glad to have gotten this far. Therefore, there is no improvement. We are glad to stand closer to the line of success without ever crossing it.

Don't get me wrong. I think that trying to live a perfect life is a terrible way to live. I believe that setting perfect as a goal is enslaving, depressing and not God-honoring. It represents and individual who thinks that they can achieve perfection. If that were true Jesus would not have died on a cross.

A fully devoted life is not one of perfection. It recognizes the failures and commits itself to the Lord. It neither accepts the almost nor believes it has achieved perfection. It concerns itself with the heart. The heart must be fully devoted rather than almost. It makes corrections often. It does not beat itself up for the failures. It expresses joy in journey of becoming like Christ but never claims it has arrived.

Accepting almost is not the reflection of a fully devoted heart. It is content with where it is. It looks down on others who have not arrived at its "almost" level.

Almost is so pervasive that I wonder if there is a demon named "Almost." He would certainly have a great number of people enslaved to his will.

So, don't almost tithe, share Christ, serve or attend worship. Each of these "almosts" mean you didn't.

Instead, fully devote yourself to the Lord.

 Psalm 119:2 (ESV)
² Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart,
 
Psalm 119:10 (ESV)  
¹⁰ With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments!