The Removal of Christian Amateurism

Intro: Coaching the 3rd and 4th grade football team. Practice becomes mundane and the team mindset was mediocrity after losing a few close games.

Quote: When you stop trying, you're only cheating the team. Propelled the team to do better and we had a 2-3 record, but we did it with excellence and they did it not only themselves but for each other.

Transition: We fall into the same temptation when life is stealing our joy so rather than pushing harder to achieve, we settle down in mediocrity. That lifestyle affects the church too. Why deal with Christian Amateurism? It makes us ineffective, it grows indifference and prevents us from accomplishing the Lord's will. How to we overcome Christian mediocrity?

Operate your life as God is watching.

Colossians 3:23–24 ESV

23 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.

We have to change the mindset of who is our boss. By envision Jesus as Master. Our work is all dedicated to Christ in everything I do. We dream, plan, and execute excellence, not because we're always able, but because God wants our best. Everyone best is different. (Compare and contrast children, animals, and adults) God made us different for a reason so we call can work for him in different settings. What matters to God is we are honoring him through our best work ethic. When we set a high bar for ourselves, that then will affect how we live for the kingdom.

But living out excellence daily is nearly impossible. If we keep pushing long enough we will burn out.

Strive for excellence while resting in Christ.

Matthew 11:28–29 ESV

28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

Do you know how it feels to go a day without a deep restful sleep? When we're not spiritually filled we then stop giving our best for God. There is a biblical reason why God created the Sabbath day. 1) To draw near to God and 2) to receive rest so that we can continue in excellence. If you're tired and feel drain it may be because spent and spiritual reserves are empty. (Jeff Walling and his monastery experience) Once we're recovered and feel rejuvenated. When is it safe to pump the brakes on excellence?

Life is too short to slow down.

2 Timothy 4:7 ESV

7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

Before we meet the Lord, we want to be able to say this with confidence. To have no regrets because we know time is short. The average age of death in the United States is 78 years old. I have so much I want to do before I pass on. The worst thing we can do is sit back and wait. (illustration) Bill Walton retired that last winter and passed away in April. God wants to use everyday you give him to make an excellent product.

Choose excellence in everything and experience greatness for Jesus.