“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15)
I’m sure I’m not the only preacher who always tries to keep 2 Timothy 2:15 in mind. The verse obviously has a resonance and applicability for anyone who is called to a ministry of preaching and teaching. Yet in the light of the Olympics and Paralympics I have been thinking on the wider potential of the first three words of this verse: “do your best.” Sometimes in our schooling we tell pupils ‘You can be anything you want to be.’ Our aim may be to encourage ambition and striving but all too often we do them a disservice by failing to highlight aptitude, skill, opportunity, commitment, dedication, practice and sheer hard work. No amount of ‘wanting to be’ is going to make me a world class pianist – I can’t read music for a start! My ‘best’ may be simply to follow the tune in a new hymn.
It was my brother Paul who recently reminded me that the most remarkable achievements from the Olympics are often from those who didn’t win gold, silver or bronze. For instance, Israel Madaye from Chad came last in the Men’s Archery (64th out of 64). But he came from a nation where the sport is virtually unknown, he bought his own equipment and he self-funded to the Olympics. The results table may say he came last, but he scored a PB (Personal Best) and a NR (National Record). He isn’t last: he’s the 64th best in the whole world. He did his best.
Likewise, Edda Hannesdóttir, Iceland’s first-ever Olympic triathlete, finished 51st in her event. But she had overcome numerous injuries and two major operations in the last four years. With family help she self-funded her journey all the way through qualifying and to Paris 2024. She isn’t a loser by any measure. She’s the 51st best female triathlete in the whole world. She did her best.
We may be spiritual shadows alongside so many others, but we can each strive to “do our best” for God. Our PB might be finding the courage to share Jesus with one person in our lifetime rather than being the next Billy Graham. Our PB might be making it to Church twice this month instead of once. Our PB might be a short daily reading and prayer rather than hours in study.
Let’s each strive to “do our best.” It’s enough.