Trying is just giving up with dignity

I've been reading a lot of the personal transformation literature recently. What if we applied some of the insights to our spiritual lives?

Christianity is NOT about self-improvement. I want to emphasize that. But self improvement should follow. With that in mind...

"Trying is just giving up with dignity." I heard this recently and it grabbed my attention.

As a kid I heard "try your best". Usually those words followed some sort of failure. If you just tried your best then it was okay to fail. It makes perfect sense. It's comforting. But what about when it becomes an excuse?

Trying is not really the same thing as preparing. Trying is not the same thing as focused effort. If you've been trying to grow spiritually. If you've been trying to get closer to God and realize that spiritual vision of what your life could be like... stop trying and start preparing for it.

Now is the time to take responsibility for your prayer life. Now is the time to put away the computer and read the Bible. Now is the time to call and arrange to volunteer with the orphanage or the refugee center. Don't just try to do it. Do it. Don't be the one who gives up with dignity. "Sorry, I tried." That's not you. You were created in the image of God for so much more.

God bless.