It has been my observation through the decades that some of the most gifted people I know are the most unhappy people I know. They are highly talented or wonderfully skilled and can out do 98% of us. But it is the 1% who are better than they that frustrate them. It seems that to be almost the best at something is far worse than being mediocre. Those of us who are mediocre know better than to dream of having the masses know our names. But when you are so very close so as to see the top and not get there produces misery. Perhaps a new beatitude should read, “Happy are the average for they shall be satisfied.”
Regarding those whose characters and behaviors are almost perfect Jesus said, “Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’ ‘And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; . . .’” The danger of being too good is thinking we are very good and that will get us in big trouble.
Jesus did admonish us to seek to be perfect as our heavenly Father is perfect. But we should never ever rely on that as a ticket to heaven. Paul says, “But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.”
So if you are part of the 98% of us rejoice and be exceedingly happy with life knowing we are covered by Jesus’ love and we don’t need to worry about making it on our own. Oh, that also works for the 2%.
Written by Roger Bothwell on September 28, 2015
PO Box 124, St. Helena, CA 94574
rogerbothwell.org