Values: Your B.E.S.T.

Here's a way to talk about values and what we do as people, and as a church.

When we get down to actually doing something- a song, a message, a luncheon, a service project, a class, a cup of coffee- we will often ask,
"Is it the best we can do?"

Since that is the starting question to evaluate much of our work, again, as individuals or as a church, let's think about what our ""best" might mean. Instead of creating a long, complicated definition, here's an acronym:

Is it the B.E.S.T. we can do...

B- Biblical: Does it line up with the bible? Does this help makes clear the teaching of the bible? Is the goal of this program compatible with the clear teachings of the bible?

E-Exciting: Does it get you excited? Does planning this music set for worship get you excited to be in worship? Would you want to sign up for the program/event you’re planning? Are you so excited that you naturally want to invite your friends?

S- Sincere: With all sincerity, can you say that this is the best you can do? Can you sincerely say that this glorifies God? Can you sincerely say that this feel authentic?

T- Tangible: Definition: capable of being perceived by touch; capable of being identified or realized by the mind. Ask yourself of whatever it is you are about to say or do, does it make sense? Will people, especially new people, perceive it? Can they wrap their hands or heads around it in a way that it becomes real for them?

Now a conversation about something you do, or the church does, can go something like this:
Let's look at the worship service we are planning this Sunday.
Is it BIBLICAL, or does something about this seem to go against word of God? Does every part measure up to the bible standard?
Is it EXCITING, or frankly, does it seem boring? Does the music inspire? Will the video provide a great segway or introduction to the message? Does this message make the truth of the bible, even a hard truth, compelling?
Is it SINCERE? Is the special song we're playing at the start of the service a sincere cry of the heart? Is it the best way to start our worship service?
It is TANGIBLE? Will people grasp and understand the biblical truth and the person of Jesus because of this service? Will people be able to actually understand and apply this truth in their life immediately?

Is it the BEST we can do?
Now that we know what we mean by "the best," maybe this can become a truly helpful question of all our programs and events.