One of the many reasons I love the Bible is because it teaches us principles and ways that lead to success in all areas, both earthly and eternal. Joshua 1:8b tells us that as we walk in God's commands, "then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success."

One principle that runs through God's Word is to reject mediocrity. Because God has given us His best by blessing us with life and by giving us His only Son Jesus Christ as redemption for our shortcomings, we are now to respond by giving our best to God and to others. The story of Joseph the dreamer stands as a wonderful example of what it means to reject mediocrity and to always live by giving the best.

Giving others the best

Joseph was one to give his best to others in all seasons. When He served in Potiphar's household, he gave His best and thus got promoted. When He was sent to jail, he still gave his best and thus gained the trust of the prison guards. Everywhere he went no matter how many setbacks he experienced, he never found reason to be mediocre. As a result, he always excelled.

Ephesians 2:10 say, "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." We were created not to settle, but to live out good works through Christ. How can you give your best to others today?

Giving God the best

Even when Joseph was unceasingly serving others, he never resorted to giving God scraps. God also received Joseph's best. When faced with trials, Joseph still lived a life of excellence which honoured the Lord. And when faced with temptation from Potiphar's wife, he stood his ground and refused to dishonour God by giving in to sexual immorality.

2 Timothy 2:15 tells us, "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth." The things we do are first and foremost unto God before they are to other people. Jesus said that the mark of a true disciple is one who loves others and lives by that love (John 13:35).

The test of excellence

The primary litmus test of excellence is the extent to which we would go for others. It's easy to chase after success as long as it benefits us, but to do things that will benefit others even if we get nothing out of it is what true success is really about. When we settle with meeting our own needs, we miss out on God's best.

John 15:13 says, "Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends." And ultimately that's what Jesus did for us. Jesus is the perfect example of giving the best. He gave us no less than His own life and now tells us to do the same for others.