And Then Some!

    A successful businessman was asked the secret of his success which he said, “And then some!  The difference between the average Joe and a top-notch person is…they do what is expected, and then some!”  It’s too bad that many students of education have accepted the average Joe mentality. Many will say, “If I get a C I’ll be happy.”  A very large number of employees are content with just getting along when they have the potential to go to the top. 
    Clarence DeLoach, Jr. writes, “To be average is to be as near the bottom as the top.  It is the best of the worst and the worst of the best.  Why seek to be average in anything?  Seek to excel, to go higher, to grow!”  Just suppose a farmer purchased a sack of seed to plant in his field, but when it came time to plant he kept the seed in the sack in the barn.  What would become of the seed?  The field?  The farmer?  The seed would do absolutely nothing, the field would go to weeds, and the farmer would starve. 
    Now let’s say the farmer is very diligent to work his field so he plants the seed and waters it.  He can expect to reap a harvest, and depending upon how much seed he planted and how hungry he is to succeed, the harvest can be bountiful enough to meet several needs.  The Word of God calls this the law of “Sowing and Reaping.”  We know that whatever we sow we can be sure to reap it. 
    Bob had run out of gas in the hot desert and had to walk to the nearest town.  Tired, thirsty, and weak he stumbled upon a ghost town with a well in the very center.  Reaching out to pump the handle he noticed a note attached to it which read, “There’s plenty of cool water in this well, but to get it you have to prime the pump with a gallon of water.  You will find a one gallon bucket full of water in the general store.  Pour all of the water into the top of this pump then vigorously pump the handle.  When you are finished, please fill the bucket with water and put it back for the next person.  Remember, you must pour all of the water into the pump in order for it to work.” 
    This was one of the most difficult decisions Bob had ever made.  He thought, “Do I trust the note and pour all of this water down a hole with the possibility of getting nothing or do I drink this hot stale water in the bucket leaving none for others to drink?”  After much deliberation he decided to pour all of the water as instructed.  He pumped the handle vigorously and out flowed cool refreshing water.  He received much more than his share of water.  He learned a dynamic lesson of giving and receiving. 
    When we apply ourselves to higher education that is what we receive. If we apply ourselves to seeking God, that’s exactly what we attain.  If we want to have what we have never had before we must start doing what we have never done before.  Jesus said, “And whoever compels you to go one mile go with him two” (Matthew 5:41).  So, do what is expected of you “and then some!”   For more info you can visit us at www.JoyChristianMinistries.com

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