Now a man who was lame from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!” So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them. Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong.
Acts 3:2-7
We all have loved ones, no matter the season of life you are in. Your loved ones may be children, a spouse, grandchildren, or even a friend, but we all have people we care about. With this fact being our reality, most of us want to give those we care about “our best”. “Our best” can and often looks different depending on the individual and the person we care about. Personally speaking, my children are all very young and need a lot. They need the obvious things such as food, shelter, and clothing. So I go to work each and every day so I can provide all of those needs for them. This is my best. My children also have other needs such as guidance with their homework or daily time at the baseball field to work on fielding ground balls. So I make sure that I do that and this is my best. Wendy and I truly want our children to be well rounded and successful in whatever they do; therefore “our best” can quickly be divided into many areas of life ensuring our children are taken care of and have the “best” of what their parents can provide for them.
But here is the million dollar question of the day, what truly is “your best”?
But here is the million dollar question of the day, what truly is “your best”?
Most parents are givers of themselves because they truly love their children. They want good things for them, in everything they do. That is why you see 5 year old travel ball leagues, private lessons in everything under the sun, and our dedication to ensure our children are wearing what is in style and popular among other kids. That is why we buy our 16 year old sons and daughters much nicer vehicles than we had growing up. We love them and we want to give them “our best”.
But what is your best? In Acts 3, Peter and John are walking to church and see a paralyzed beggar with no hope and greatly in need. As you can imagine, the beggar pleads with the men for their best. “Please me give me any spare money you might have”. The man is in luck as Peter gives the man his best, only it’s not the “best” the man wanted, but very much the “best” the man needed. Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.”
I have personally come to the conclusion that I have spent the majority of my life pouring what I had into the people I loved the most, but not always giving them my best. As believers, “our best” has very little to do with us and everything to do with the one who lives inside us. The greatest part of me, the greatest thing I have to offer others, is the love of Jesus and the good news of the Gospel.
See, our children, friends, and spouses are all like the beggar Peter and John encountered. Their needs are obvious so we try and treat their needs with vacations, hitting lessons, tutoring, and North Face jackets. Because if we give them silver and gold, then maybe just maybe they will walk one day. But here is thing, they never do, do they? Clothes, lessons, and trips will not result in the outcomes we are truly searching for in the people we love and care about the most. We want the people we love to have peace, love, and purpose in their life. We want those people to have direction and guidance in all that they do. Now ask yourself, is that what you are pouring into them? Is that where you are pointing them towards daily?
The best part of you is Jesus, now give your best to the ones you love the most!!! Pray and read the Bible with your kids, show grace to your spouse, serve your church, and walk with your friends in Christ. Have this be the priority of your life, not just something you doing on Sundays. That is your best, that is what your loved ones deserve and need.
Blessings,
