“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”

—1 Corinthians 10:31

My great friend and spiritual brother, Mike Mazyck, and I are taking some of the young men in the Mercy Home family on a men’s retreat in the Kakamega Rainforest this Monday through Thursday.

Part of what we’ll be doing is going through several chapters of the book Disciplines of a Godly Man by R. Kent Hughes. Today, as I read through the introduction, I was reminded of a book I read many years ago—back when I wasn’t a Christian and was working in the secular business world.

Many of you have probably heard of it: Good to Great by Jim Collins. That book had more impact on my career as a restaurant supervisor than any other book I read during those twenty-five years.

While I certainly don’t endorse everything in it—it’s written from a secular perspective and encourages self-sufficiency and the glorification of business success—there are still some messages that align with biblical truth.

“Good is the Enemy of Great”

The main idea that stuck with me is Collins’ assertion that “good is the enemy of great.”

Most people settle for “good enough.” They’re more focused on getting things done than doing them with excellence or to the best of their ability.

Even after God took my heart of stone and gave me a heart of flesh—bringing me to repentance and faith in the Gospel of Jesus Christ—I’ve continued to struggle in this area.

Good Husband, But Not Great

For years, I wasn’t a great husband, largely because I thought I was a good husband. I compared myself to others and pridefully concluded I was doing better than most.

I wasn’t a drunk.
I didn’t spend time out with the guys.
I came home when I wasn’t working.

So I told myself I was doing well enough.

Good Father, But Not Great

As a father, I took pride in being present. I spent more time with my kids than most dads I knew. I was fun. I played with them. I worked hard so Stephanie could stay home and homeschool them.

But looking back, I have to admit—I have not been a great father.

Still Struggling Today

Whether it was in restaurant management or now as a missionary, I still find myself falling into the trap of “good enough.” Too often, I settle—and in doing so, I miss the opportunity to strive for greatness for the glory of God.

So whether it’s marriage, parenting, career, or ministry—should “good” be the goal?

No.

The goal is not just to get it done, but to get it right. And not just right—but done to the glory of God.

Please Pray for Me

As we leave for this retreat Monday, would you please pray for me? I write this with a heavy heart. I’m choking up even as I type.

I have much to confess and share with some of the young men God has placed in my care.

My goal in parenting has always been to raise men better than myself. But now I see how I often get in the way of that goal.

My Prayer Requests

Please pray for me:

To lead these young men well
To lead the Mercy Home family well
To lead Mercy Baptist Church well
To lead Mercy Christian Academy well
To be humble
To confess my sins—not just to God, but also to my sons
To stop settling for “good enough,” and to strive for what is great, in every area that pleases the Lord

Missionaries Are Not Super Saints

Before you read this, I hope you weren’t under the impression that missionaries are super spiritual giants.

The Bible is filled with stories of sinful, broken men and women being used by God—not because they are great, but because God is great.

God has never, in the history of His Church, used anyone great. That’s because there are none who are great. But He has done great things through those who depend on Him—and not on themselves.

Good is the Enemy of Great