How to do a poor job in the name of Jesus.

Since when is it okay to do a poor job in the name of Jesus? 

When did the church buy into the idea that what we do doesn't have to be creative, quality or top notch as long as we staple a Jesus tag on it? 

Remember when Jim Carrey fell off the Jetway in dumb and dumber yelling "its okay, I'm a limo driver"?

Yea, that's us. Doing a poor job but 'its okay, its in the name of Jesus'. 

We know she can’t sing and he doesn’t have the gift of preaching but its okay cause its worship and the word of God so it shouldn’t matter?...

I know it sounds mean but I think someone needs to say it.

The church has done many things that are corny, cheesy, lazy and plain old poor in the name of Jesus.

Not making fun of the church because Id be making fun of myself. I just have a strong desire to see us give our best in everything. 

Below are 5 reasons why I think Christians should strive for excellence

1. God is an excellent God. 

Remember what God said after everything he did? It is good. Not average or Okay. Good.
Also when Jesus returns, he's not just gonna put a cross around a broken worlds neck. No. He's gonna restore it. A new heaven and a new earth. He's gonna make it good. Because he values excellence.

2. Average is hypocritical.

When we offer average to God in the name of God we are being hypocrites cause we wouldn't do that in any other area of life. We all value excellence in the areas of life that matter most to us [marriage/education/family]. Is God not worthy of the same?

3. Excellence is loving. 

Its loving to push people to be their best. I know we think allowing someone who can't sing to remain in the church band is the loving thing to do but reality is, you're actually doing the opposite.

There's nothing loving about enabling someone to do something you and everyone else knows they aren't good at.

4. Excellence matters. 

God can work regardless of quality. He spoke through a donkey for crying out loud. God can do whatever he wants. 

But ever wonder why Jesus told really good, creative, compelling sermons? I mean, after all, He's Jesus and he was preaching the word of God. Did he really need relevant stories and illustrations to reach people? Excellence matters.

5. Excellence is biblical. 

It took Noah tons of years to build the ark. Solomon built the temple with the worlds best resources. David was a master poet. Joseph was the hardest working slave. Jesus was a phenomenal story teller.

Also, did you know God actually commands excellence? When people offered sacrifices in the Old Testament, God didn't say just bring 'whatever' cause its the heart that matters. No.

He commanded and desired the best, not the frail dying left-overs.

I'm not asking you to be the best in the world. I'm just saying we should strive to be the best we can be. 

Be the best mom you can be.
Be the most hard-working employee at your work. 
Be the best pastor you can be.
Actually go to class and study hard so you can be a great student.
Create the best atmosphere you can as a church.

Don't do a poor job in the name of Jesus. Do an excellent job in the name of Jesus. 

What would you add to the list? Is there anything that stood out to you?

Also, why do you think the church sometimes does so many things poorly?