{dig a ditch.}

Have you ever tried the mints and gum they sell at Christian book stores? I believe they have the ever-creative title of "Testi-mints." One day I was in need of some gum while shopping at Lifeway and decided to purchase these so-called breath fresheners. I popped one in my mouth and discovered that this gum was the worst tasting gum of all time. I don't even think Jesus would enjoy this gum. (If you or a loved one work for Tesi-mints....I apologize.) One would think that gum that represents Jesus would taste better than any other kind of gum--right? Are we not called to excellence?

 I watched Steven Furtick (pastor of Elevation Church in NC) speak this week at the Global Leadership Summit. His church has grown from four people to well over five thousand people in a few years. When he first planted his church he said that he just kept "digging ditches." He never gave up or lost sight of the vision that He knew God planted in his heart. He dug a ditch at every obstacle and after every let down. We may not all be pastors of thousands. But are we students trying to graduate from college? DIG A DITCH. Are we Moms and Dads trying to be the best parents we can be? DIG A DITCH. Are we missionaries in Uganda? DIG A DITCH. Are we a generation in pursuit of God? DIG A DITCH. And as we dig our ditches--may we also pursue excellence along the way. For I do not believe that we were created to settle for bad tasting gum.