Good or Good Enough: Striving for "Very Good" in All of Life

Article by Jeremiah Riner

In Genesis 1, there’s a rhythm to creation. God speaks, everything comes into existence, and then Scripture says, “And God saw that it was good.” over and over again. But then, after the work was finished, “God saw everything that He had made, and behold, it was very good” (Genesis 1:31). That’s not just a throwaway detail. God doesn’t do “good enough.” He does very good. Complete. Excellent. Always having purpose. And if we bear His image (and we do), shouldn’t that be our mindset too?

The problem is, “good enough” is often easier. It’s quicker. It feels safe. But settling for mediocrity (especially in the ordinary corners of life) robs us of the chance to glorify God fully. Whether it’s our jobs, our parenting, our marriages, or our service in the church, we’re called to something better. Paul said it plainly: “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men” (Colossians 3:23). In other words, every task is sacred when it’s done for Him. This doesn’t mean perfectionism or constant striving in our own strength. Rather, it’s about faithfulness in the ordinary.

Charles Spurgeon once put it like this: “If a thing is worth doing, it is worth doing well. If it is not worth doing well, it is not worth doing at all.” That applies to changing diapers, balancing spreadsheets, leading a meeting, or teaching a Sunday school class. Ordinary faithfulness is where extraordinary glory shines. John Calvin reminded believers that “all the actions of our lives should be as sacrifices of praise.” That means even the unnoticed, daily stuff matters. How we carry out the seemingly “small” things speaks volumes about who we serve. Our lives should point to a God whose creation was not halfway done, but perfectly designed and beautifully finished.

This is motivating. Our existence is not to just coast through life on “good enough.” Follow the pattern of your Creator. Aim for “very good” in the way you work, love, and serve. Not to impress the world, but to reflect the God who does all things well. And remember—when Christ redeems us, He doesn’t leave us halfway changed. He makes us new. That same grace empowers us to live with excellence, not just for His glory but also the good of those around us.

Jeremiah Riner is the pastor of Calvary Bible Church. He is married to his lovely wife, Morgan and they are the proud parents to Everly and Judah. He resides in Mount Carmel, TN and make his living as an educator for Gate City High School.