I once had a choir director who used to say, “It doesn’t cost much more to go first class.” While that may not be true monetarily today, he meant that as believers, we have all blessings available to us in Christ. If I have a first-class ticket, I must stop settling for Coach in my Christian life. As Christians, we’re called to live with holy ambition, passionately pursuing God’s purpose for our lives. It’s easy to become complacent and settle for “Coach” when God has already purchased us a ticket in “First Class.” Let’s look at some key areas where we need to reject settling.
Relationships
Compromising godly values just to fit in or stay in unhealthy relationships is tempting. But God calls us not to be unequally yoked with unbelievers (2 Corinthians 6:14) and to walk in the light, not darkness (Ephesians 5:8). We don’t have to settle for abusive or toxic relationships. God has saved us to live in community, and he has amazing people he wants to bring into your life for purpose and influence. As C.S. Lewis said, “Aim at heaven, and you will get earth thrown in. Aim at earth, and you get neither.” Keep your eyes fixed on Christ and His design for healthy, thriving relationships.
Career
Many Christians stick with unfulfilling jobs solely for a paycheck or status. But we are God’s workmanship, created to do good works He prepared for us (Ephesians 2:10). Don’t waste your gifts and talents just to get by or to prove your worth to others. Be bold and step out in faith to pursue work aligned with your calling. As Frederick Buechner said, “The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.” You may have to reject worldly measures of success, but making an eternal impact matters most.
Personal Growth
We often become complacent in habits not honoring God with our bodies, time, or talents (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). But we each have just one life – it’s worth fighting to maximize it for His glory. Make the hard choices to get healthy, master your craft, and nourish your spiritual life. Paul reminds us to forget what lies behind us and press on toward the goal of being like Christ (Philippians 3:13-14). The world says to settle for average, but God’s calling us to rise up for an eternal purpose.
Serving in Ministry
It’s easy to serve half-heartedly, avoiding positions of responsibility. But Scripture says, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men” (Colossians 3:23). God rewards commitment. Say yes to challenging roles like leading a small group, teaching Sunday School, or organizing an outreach event. Remember, Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others (1 Peter 4:10). Don’t let fear hold you back from radical generosity or bold evangelism either. Lives are changed when we step up and become the hands and feet of Jesus.
Worship
It’s easy to go through the motions without truly worshipping God with our whole hearts. But He deserves our full, undivided praise and awe. Don’t settle for lackluster worship, just mouthing lyrics or passively listening to a sermon. Actively seek intimacy with God through worship.
Matt Boswell believes that, as humans, we’re wired to be “astonished” by God. “We love to see others discover joy in the things we have discovered joy in, and our joy is increased when they have praised what we have shared. We see this everywhere. When you hear a really funny joke, you call your best friend and laugh together. When you hear an incredible song, you post it to Facebook to let everyone hear it. When you take an adorable picture of your child, you send it to your extended family to get their “oh’s” and “ah’s.” This is the way God created us, because this is the way God Himself is.” Come ready to pour out your praise, get lost in His glory, and live in response to who He is. Don’t hold back in singing songs of praise or lifting hands in adoration. God calls us into deep, authentic worship – don’t settle for less.
The Lie of Settling
The Enemy wants us to believe that settling is normal and inevitable. But Jesus said He came to give us life to the fullest! (John 10:10). We serve a God who parts seas, heals the sick, and raises the dead – He certainly has no intention for you to settle in any area of life. Fix your eyes on Him, surrender control, and He will lead you into His purpose and blessings. You have a First-Class ticket – it’s time to start living like it!
Reflection:
1. Which area of life do you most struggle with settling? Why?
2. What’s one small step you can take this week toward God’s better plan for you in that area?
3. How can you encourage others to reject settling and embrace God’s best?
Don’t lose heart or accept anything less than the amazing plans God has for you! You were made for more. Take hold of it by His power at work within you.”
Josh Cehulik 