And Then Some!
Categories: Church of Christ Bulletin ArticlesThe story is told of a prominent salesman who had come to the time of his retirement. He was asked to sum up his success in three simple words. He answered, “And Then Some”. He was asked what that meant?
He gave this answer. “I discovered at an early age that most of the real differences between average and top people could be explained in three words. The top did what was expected of them … And Then Some. They were thoughtful of others; they were considerate, kind, and caring … And Then Some. They met their obligations and responsibilities fairly and squarely … And Then Some. They were dependable and faithful … And Then Some. They were good friends to their friends … And Then Some. They could be counted on to carry their part of the load … And Then Some.” The Ecclesiastes writer encourages this “And Then Some” attitude in Ecclesiastes 9:10, “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might….” (ESV).
The inspired Apostle Paul presents this same principle in Ephesians 6:5-8 when he stated, “Slaves obey your human masters loyally with a proper sense of respect and responsibility, as service rendered to Christ; not only working when you are being watched, as if looking for human approval, but as servants of Christ conscientiously doing what you believe to be the will of God. Work cheerfully as if it were for the Lord and not for a man. You may be sure that the Lord will reward each man for good work irrespectively of whether he be slave or free” (J.B. Phillips Translation). Also see Colossians 3:22-24.
The question we need to ask ourselves is: Am I a “And Then Some” individual in serving the Lord? If not, then we really do need to work at putting on the “And Then Some”” attitude in our service to the Lord. Only in this way will the Lord be able to declare us “successful” in the doing of His will (Matthew 7:21; Luke 6:46; Romans 2:13; James 1:22).