There are two things that every youth who goes through 4-H learns. They are the 4-H Motto and 4-H Pledge. They were quoted, along with the Pledge of Allegiance, before every meeting when I was in 4-H – ten years as a member, and another ten as an advisor. They are as follows:

4-H Motto:

“To make the best better.”

4-H Pledge:

“I pledge my head to clearer thinking, my heart to greater loyalty, my hands to larger service, and my health to better living, for my club, my community, my country, and my world.”

The motto and pledge are an encouragement for 4-H youth to strive for excellence in all that they do. Further, it means to never settle for what you think is your best – because there’s always room for improvement.

But, there’s more than just striving to do, and be, your best. The pledge ends with “… for my club, my community, my country, and my world.” It’s a reminder that what each person does ultimately doesn’t just affect them. Each part of our life ultimately affects others – whether we realize it or not. We should – no, we must – do our best, because others are depending on us. People see how much we value, care for and love them by how well we serve them.

How often do we strive to do our best? Just consider how many people are impacted by our words and actions. Are we careful to do our best – or, are we careless? I don’t know of too many people who are happy to receive a mediocre product or service. Just imagine a doctor who didn’t take the time to listen to your questions. Or, what if Albert Einstein gave up on the light bulb after the fiftieth time that he couldn’t get it to work?

Unfortunately, it appears as if too many people are content at just getting by. But, what would happen if we really cared about other people? What if we took the time to really try to do our best – and constantly improve on it? What would families and marriages look like? How would students do in school – and in their afterschool activities? Consider how people might do their jobs differently. And, consider how politicians would govern. Would we continue to have to endure such divisive, political games and manipulative tactics?

So many of us act like our own lives, interests and possessions are the most important thing in the world. But, how would it look if we put others first? What if we pledged our head, heart, hands and health to better living – to looking out for the welfare and betterment of others? Perhaps, it might also help to simplify our lives as we most likely would have a new focus on life.

This is what Christ did when He came to earth to die for us. He put us first, and gave us the very best, when He left the perfection of Heaven to die for us – as ungrateful as we often are. Jesus died, and was brought back to life, so that we might have eternal life with God – if we would seek God’s forgiveness and humbly accept Christ as our Lord and Savior.

As I think about the 4-H Motto and Pledge, I’m reminded of the words of martyred missionary, Jim Elliott. He said:

He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.

We must realize that life is not about us. It’s about serving God, and then others. This is a foundational truth in each of our lives – whether we are willing to admit it, or not. When we truly care about others, we can find real joy and a sincere willingness to do our very best at any job.

In closing, please consider the following.

Who do we love? This will often determine who we working are for – and, who we are serving. Are we willing to settle for mediocrity – or, are we giving our best efforts in an attempt to always serve others better? Do we show love and concern for those who we come into contact with?

By striving to give all of us – our head, heart, hands and health, imagine how each of us can impact others’ lives. Think how individuals, communities, our nation – and even the world, can be impacted through each of us practicing humility, love, forgiveness, grace and hard work in a continual attempt to serve one another better.

Have a great day! 🙂

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” – Philippians 2:3-4 (NIV)

(This was first published at theroadreport.wordpress.com.)