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When is good enough, not good enough? Some things in life demand perfection—like timing an engine. I used to do it myself with a timing gun and a few wrenches. It had to be exact, or the engine ran rough. But with things like tire pressure, close enough was fine. I often have a “good enough” attitude, which works—unless perfection is required. How about our relationship with God? Is “good enough” really enough in that case?

Think about it. What does it mean for God to be perfect if human ideas of perfection are always relative and based on shifting personal standards?

God’s Word: “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect (Matthew 5:48).” 

A typical day lasts 24 hours—plenty of time to reflect on your relationship with God. Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 13:11, “Aim for perfection.” That means giving your best—100%, not just “good enough.” If you love Jesus, His perfection covers your imperfections. But we’re still called to love Him with everything we’ve got. Tuning up our love for Christ isn’t a part-time task; it demands full effort and commitment. Good enough won’t do when it comes to loving God fully.

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matt 6:34)

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When is good enough, not good enough? Some things in life demand perfection—like timing an engine. I used to do it myself with a timing gun and a few wrenches. It had to be exact, or the engine ran rough. But with things like tire pressure, close enough was fine. I often have a “good enough” attitude, which works—unless perfection is required. How about our relationship with God? Is “good enough” really enough in that case?

Think about it. What does it mean for God to be perfect if human ideas of perfection are always relative and based on shifting personal standards?

God’s Word: “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect (Matthew 5:48).” 

A typical day lasts 24 hours—plenty of time to reflect on your relationship with God. Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 13:11, “Aim for perfection.” That means giving your best—100%, not just “good enough.” If you love Jesus, His perfection covers your imperfections. But we’re still called to love Him with everything we’ve got. Tuning up our love for Christ isn’t a part-time task; it demands full effort and commitment. Good enough won’t do when it comes to loving God fully.

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matt 6:34)

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Living by the whole truth? When we think of God as “perfect,” we must recognize that human perfection is relative. For example, my truck and Holly’s car might both look perfect after cleaning, but based on different standards-her’s or mine. Human standards vary, making our sense of perfection subjective. God’s perfection, however, isn’t based on comparisons—He is perfection itself. His standard doesn’t change or strive; it simply is, beyond human relevance or relativity.

Think about it. What does it mean for God to be perfect if human ideas of perfection are always relative and based on shifting personal standards?

God’s Word: “As for God, his way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him (Psalm 18:30).” 

We often seek perfection using human standards, mistaking church growth, attendance, and technological advances as measures of godliness. Yet God doesn’t need buildings or numbers. These, while useful, don’t bring us closer to Him. True spiritual closeness comes not through outward success, but by aligning our hearts and lives to God’s perfect and eternal standards.

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matt 6:34)

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Living by the whole truth? Today, many settle for fragments of truth, embracing relative thinking. If this is all the truth we know, it becomes all we need to believe. As differing views multiply, belief in absolute truth fades—requiring unity that clashes with celebrated diversity. A recent Barna survey found only 28% strongly believe in absolute truth, and just 23% of Christians surveyed agreed—highlighting a cultural shift toward subjective interpretations of truth.

Think about it. Is society's growing embrace of relative truth eroding belief in absolute truth, even among Christians?

God’s Word: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight (Proverbs 3:5-6).” 

God’s Word is absolute and not subject to personal interpretation or compromise. Love matters, but not at truth’s expense. Unity built on partial truth must yield to full truth. We are called to defend and live by the whole truth, for without it, we lose our foundation and purpose.

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matt 6:34)

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Never Give Up? Years ago, I was invited to deliver a 20‑minute keynote on perseverance. I prepared diligently, but it felt overbuilt and lacked punch. Then I recalled Winston Churchill’s brief, powerful speech at Harrow, England in 1941: “Never give in, never give in, never, never, never, never—in nothing great or small…never yield to force…” His words distilled perseverance perfectly—I didn’t need anything more than that.

Think about it. How can remembering Winston Churchill’s concise “Never give up” speech inspire us—and how might Scripture guide our perseverance when facing life’s challenges?

God’s Word: “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him (James 1:12).” 

When learning to ride a bike, our parents urged, “Try harder!” We hated that then—even now. God teaches us differently: “My grace is sufficient, for My power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Cor. 12:9). Though we fall short, Christ met the goal long ago. So persevere—“Never give up!”

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matt 6:34)

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The Apostle Paul, though full of courage, spoke of a “thorn” that hindered his ministry. God told him, “My grace is sufficient for you” (2 Corinthians 12:9). Ministry depends not on our strength but God’s power through our weakness. Are you afraid or feeling inadequate? Offer your small, overlooked talent to God in prayer. What seems imperfect to you may become His perfect tool, used for great things—not for our glory, but His. Trust Him to work through your weakness.

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Facing Regret and Processing the Pain? Regret lingers—pushed to the back of your mind, yet always fresh, always present. Just when you think it's gone, a reminder brings it back. You can't dress it up or make it more palatable, it always tastes the same. Unless you confront it and empty it, it keeps returning. You can’t live with regret—no matter how hard you try. You simply have to deal with it.

Think about it. If regret always returns no matter how deeply we bury it, how can we truly heal without facing it and seeking forgiveness or peace?

God’s Word: “What profit is there in gaining the world, if regret and guilt consume the soul? (Mark 8:36).” 

Regret won’t vanish on its own. It lingers—preserved, sharp, and fresh—until you choose to deal with it intentionally. Hiding it doesn’t make it disappear; it only ensures its survival. To truly be free, you must face the regret, process the pain, and choose to release it. You must acknowledge regret, let go with grace, and make room in your heart for healing and peace.

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matt 6:34)

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Not Just Fresh Paint? One of my hobbies is collecting license plates, from a red on cream 1916 to a 1979 of the same color. I loved seeing new Wisconsin plates each year. But during wartime, states conserved metal by using tags instead. By 1961, adhesive stickers replaced yearly plates. Eventually, states stopped issuing new designs regularly—only stickers changed. “New” plates weren’t truly new, just reused metal with a new date.

Think about it. How did wartime metal conservation change license plates, leading states to reuse old plates yearly and replace new designs with small metal tags or stickers?

God’s Word: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth... but store up treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:19-20).” 

When we received new life in Christ, it wasn’t just a cleaned-up version of our old selves. God didn’t reissue us with fresh paint—we became entirely new. In Christ, we are a new creation, not a retreaded soul. Like a fresh license plate among old ones, our transformed spirit truly stands out as something entirely new.

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matt 6:34)

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Has Truth Shaped Your Day? Some things live in my brain far longer than they should—like advertising jingles. I can recall jingles from over fifty years ago, often triggered by a random word or moment. Apparently, I paid too much attention to TV commercials as a kid. I can name four cigar jingles or sing every Coca-Cola jingle since 1959. When it comes to ad jingles, I’m an expert you probably don’t want to meet.

Think about it. Why do decades-old advertising jingles still pop into my head so easily, like I heard them just yesterday?

God’s Word: “I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. (Psalm 77:11).” 

When was the last time that truth shaped your day? Life may seem small, but God says it matters greatly. We will all appear before Christ’s judgment seat (2 Corinthians 5:10). Every moment here echoes in eternity. In God’s eyes, nothing in our lives is trivial—eternity’s door swings on the hinges of how we live now.

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matt 6:34)

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Through Christ’s Eyes? I’m near-sighted and wear trifocals. I first noticed trouble reading maps and computer screens. An eye exam confirmed the problem—I couldn’t read past the second line on the chart. After trying many lens combinations, one finally brought everything into focus. A few days later, I picked up my new glasses. Reading was a joy again—clear, sharp, and headache-free. I could even see tiny towns on a map. What a difference!

Think about it. Have you ever experienced the life-changing clarity of seeing clearly again after gradually losing your vision without realizing how much you'd been missing?

God’s Word: “Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized Him (Luke 24:31a).” 

A Christian sees death through the perfected eyes of Christ. Living in Him, we gain eyes of faith to see beyond pain and uncertainty into eternal life. Reason alone leaves us spiritually nearsighted. But by daily reading and believing God’s Word, the Holy Spirit sharpens our vision. With Scripture guiding us, we no longer see dimly, but clearly—through Christ’s own eyes, full of hope, clarity, and promise of resurrection.

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matt 6:34)

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Built to Bounce Back? Hoses are a necessary nuisance in the yard—useful, but frustrating to rewind after watering. Their design seems to resist being coiled, making the task tedious and awkward. As you wind them around the carrier, they rarely cooperate, almost like they weren’t meant to be stored that way. However, not all hoses are equal—some, depending on their material, are more resilient and hold a wind better than others.

Think about it. Why are hoses so difficult to rewind, and why do some seem easier to manage than others?

God’s Word: “Do all things without grumbling… that you may be blameless… in the midst of a crooked world (Philippians 2:14-15).” 

Like Christians rising through adversity, we surface strong when released, buoyed by the Spirit within us. Though we face trials like others, we endure differently—through the strength of our Savior. His Spirit gives us courage and resilience. No trouble is too deep to drown us. You can't hold down a believer filled with faith—we're made of the right stuff and built to bounce back.

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matt 6:34)

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Almost like magic?

Almost Like Magic? It’s amazing how much a person can change. Before marrying my wife Holly, I was set in my bachelor habits—rigid routines and self-made rules. But soon after we married, many of those routines faded into memory. Over three decades, Holly’s quiet influence and our deep connection reshaped me. While traces of the old me remain, her love transformed me in ways I never imagined—almost like magic.

Think about it. How can love and deep connection transform long-standing habits and reshape a person’s life in ways they never thought possible?

God’s Word: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come (2 Corinthians 5:17)!” 

Before Christ, we were stuck in the old, comfortable patterns of sin—it's what we knew and where we felt at ease. But when we joined ourselves to Christ, everything changed. Through Him, we are being transformed into His likeness, step by step. Like “old dogs” learning new, miraculous ways, salvation is a gift we could never earn—pure grace, truly magical.

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matt 6:34)

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Victory is ours? We’re often ruled by irrational fears—real in effect but baseless in cause. Take acrophobia: fear of heights. Some fear looking down; I fear looking up. In both cases, vertigo may set in, causing dizziness. Though the person is physically safe, the fear feels real. These phobias show how our minds can override logic, sometimes leading to real danger, even when there’s no actual threat present.

Think about it. Can irrational fears, like acrophobia, cause real physical reactions and danger even when there’s no actual threat to our safety?

God’s Word: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7).” 

Christ’s nail-scarred hand reminds us He took all the pain Satan could give. Now Satan is like a bee without a stinger—he can’t harm us. Jesus conquered death, making it an empty threat. Fear of death may seem natural, but for believers, it’s baseless. Don’t let fear give power to what Christ has already defeated. In Him, death has no sting, and victory is ours.

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matt 6:34)

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Having your cake and eating it too? In life, we often can’t have it both ways. As a kid, that truth felt less harsh, but my parents’ frequent reminder stuck: “You can’t have your cake and eat it too.” We want the rewards without the costs—like a new car without the payments, or late nights without tired mornings. Most decisions demand trade-offs; life usually isn’t about getting everything, but about choosing wisely and accepting limits.

Think about it. Can we truly have it both ways in life, or must we accept trade-offs and choose between conflicting desires and outcomes?

God’s Word: “Choose this day whom you will serve… but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord (Joshua 24:15).” 

We submit to one another as Christ submits to the Father. Though equal, we serve each other in love, meekness, and kindness. In this mutual submission, the Father’s will is fulfilled. One serves, one is served, yet both share equally in love. In doing so, we reflect Christ’s love and experience its fullness together—almost like truly having your cake and eating it too.

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matt 6:34)

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Actions rather than emotions? My son Dan, nephew Matt, and I used to maintain a cemetery forty miles away, where Brunner relatives were buried. Dan trimmed around stones, I mowed with the tractor, and Matt used the walk-behind mower to mow between the graves. In about an hour, we’d finish. After each mowing Matt had one final task—sweeping grass from each gravestone—a way too truly honor the dead.

Think about it. Is it often the small acts, not the big ones, that mean the most when serving others?

God’s Word: “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men (Colossians 3:23).” 

We all need reminders of what love truly is. The Bible shows proclaims that (work) action, not emotion—is at the heart of doing right for others. “Working heartily” is how we ought to treat people. A small act of kindness can sweep away fear or discouragement. Sometimes, the smallest gestures leave the biggest impact on a loving relationship.

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matt 6:34)

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It’s a quiet thing? “All’s fair in love and war” suggests no rules apply in either. But can true love be selfish or chaotic like war? Love is often seen as an uncontrollable force, yet the Bible paints a different picture. According to 1 Corinthians 13, love is patient and kind—enduring, not impulsive. Unlike war, which can provoke treachery and violence, love is meant to be purposeful, gentle, and long-suffering.

Think about it. Can love, often seen as uncontrollable like war, truly be selfish and chaotic, or is it purposeful and patient as described in 1 Corinthians 13?

God’s Word: “Love is patient and kind; it is not selfish or proud. It does not rejoice in evil but delights in truth and endures all things (1 Corinthians 13:4).” 

Love’s strength lies in its gentleness, like a shy violet hidden in grass—easily missed without patience. It is quiet, enduring, and found through care. Even when others resist love, remember God’s steady love for us, even in rebellion. His love is gentle and unwavering. When love feels hard, seek it patiently. Its reward may be subtle, but its quiet touch can reach the hardest heart.

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matt 6:34)

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Unconditional love? "Who loves me loves my dog too," wrote St. Bernard of Clairvaux in the 12th century, when dogs were often dirty strays. His words suggest that true love embraces the whole person, including their flaws or burdens. By loving both the person and their "dog," we show acceptance and selflessness, focusing on others rather than ourselves—an enduring message about the nature of unconditional love.

Think about it. Is loving others first—accepting all their dog-eared faults and habits—worth the effort, even though it isn't easy?

God’s Word: “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. (1 Peter 4:8).” 

True love places no conditions, yet we often expect others to fit our lives without sacrifice. Many enter marriage assuming nothing will change. But when interests clash, selfishness surfaces, and division follows. True love isn’t self-seeking—it puts others first. It embraces faults. Love grows not by demanding, but by serving and choosing unity over personal preference.

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matt 6:34)