Is Good Enough Really Good Enough?
“Good enough is the new perfection” captured my attention as I read the words on a t-shirt. I found it to be extremely intriguing and simultaneously troubling. Was this meant as a joke or an excuse?
I admit to being a perfectionist – or shall I say “given to excellence” (as I prefer to refer to my tendencies). However, lowering the standard to “good enough” is just a bit disconcerting. I would not want the pilot flying my plane or the doctor doing my surgery to adopt that philosophy. There is actually a popular commercial getting lots of TV airtime right now on this very topic.
When I think of the phrase “The Good Enough Syndrome” I think of other concepts like “just getting by,” “the bare minimum,” or “only what is required.” There comes a time in every project when we have to stop tweaking and perfecting; but “good enough” suggests something unacceptably premature.
The battle begins at the personal level as we make daily choices. It only follows that we would guard against allowing “The Good Enough Syndrome” from creeping into our ministries. Real ministry with eternal results is not cheap and it cannot be purchased in the bargain basement.
Biblical discipleship is an investment, not an expense. It requires vision, commitment and time. If we are to truly imprint lives for Christ then “good enough” will not be “good enough.” Just getting people to attend our church, listen to us preach, sing our songs, and like us on social media may appear to be “good enough.” I think we have to ask ourselves the question, “is good enough…good enough?”
So how do we overcome The Good Enough Syndrome in our lives and ministries?
1. Make a personal and ministerial commitment to excellence.
2. Develop 2 Timothy 2:2 leaders who understand how to invest in the lives of others.
3. Create a climate where maturing spiritually is the norm, not the exception.
4. Establish personal values based on biblical principles which will guide your decision making.
5. Develop a personal growth strategy for yourself and learn how to share this with other people as you disciple.
Remember, we teach in everything we do! Establishing ministries of excellence is a testimony to our students, adults, and community.
What a great reminder. The picture of the Dr with the screwdriver and vice grips was a great mental image. It was also a truth moment about our personal lives. Many times we think good enough is good enough. Problem is good enough leads to not enough. Appreciated it.
We have got to stop accepting “good enough” in our lives and ministries when we would never do so in other areas that we would quickly say “matter to us!” We need to take inventory of what really matters. Thanks for your comments.