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The absence of bad does not equate to good.

After sampling new cuisine, I sometimes say, “That’s not bad.” This can mean I either enjoyed it or tolerated it. But there’s a big difference between tolerating something new and enjoying your favorite meal. I love authentic Mexican food, but I tolerate Taco Bell as “not bad.”

When thinking there’s nothing wrong with something or someone, we create a value vacuum where the absence of “best” pulls in a “not bad” mentality. Considering something as not bad doesn’t make it good. Just because there’s nothing wrong with someone doesn’t make them the right or optimal choice.

Our impatience sometimes makes us settle for the most available option instead of waiting for the best. Then we justify our choices with the “It’s not bad” or “There’s nothing wrong with it” mentality. We forget quality should never be optional.

I’m sometimes guilty of justifying the things God is trying to remove from my life. While I clench the “not bad” and “there’s nothing wrong with it,” He refines and transforms me in His effort to make me more like Jesus (Romans 8:29).

Christ stands before me, hands outstretched to receive the things that hold me back and the desires to which I cling (Hebrews 12:1). He awaits all the traits and habits I am putting off to replace them with what I am putting on (Ephesians 4:17-32). Out with the old, in with the new (II Corinthians 5:17).

In this newness of life, God moves me from the permissible to the perfect. There is no mediocrity, partiality, or ambiguity with Him. He is sovereign and knows what’s best. The question is whether I will accept His best and settle for nothing less—even if what presents itself is okay, not bad, or not necessarily sinful.

Never settle for less than God’s best or accept “not bad” when God offers “premium selection.” Instead of settling for “there’s nothing wrong with it,” wait for God to deliver His optimal choice.

(Photo courtesy of pixabay.)

(For more devotions, visit Christian Devotions.)