Wednesday, November 17, 2021

Going to See the Fab Four (and Thoughts on "Excellence")

I am so glad I'm not the only Beatles fan out there. If I were, there wouldn't by any tribute bands like the Fab Four. I just bought a ticket to see them in concert next month in Durham. The last concert of theirs I attended was in Dallas. Their repertory included She Loves You, I Want to Hold Your Hand, A Hard Day's Night, Twist and Shout, Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds, Penny Lane, Imagine, Revolution, and Hey Jude. Oh my goodness. These guys have done their homework. "John" is incredible. Every nuance, even his accent, is perfect, and oh that voice. Lennon looks more like Lennon than Lennon. This is the closest most people will ever get to a live Beatles performance. "George" is actually from Liverpool. 

What is it that attracts me to the Fab Four? And groups like them? The word that comes to mind is EXCELLENCE. So rarely nowadays do people give their whole self to anything. We have lost our commitment to excellence. You will never be your best. But you can always give your best. Even paying attention to small details can make a huge difference. If you know you can improve something, do it. Notice that the master said, "Well done, good and faithful servant" (Matt 25:23). Work should not merely be done; it should be done well. Sadly, the emphasis today is on just muddling by and collecting our paychecks. If you do your work too well you might make everyone else look lazy! Some call this "cheap Christianity." Few take the pride in their work that the old craftsmen and artists showed.

The Fab Four excel in what they do. I appreciate that. They are spot on in their appearances and interpretation of the once-famous group. Their outfits, gestures, and authenticity are amazing. Ardy has Paul's personality down to a T. 

There is work aplenty to be done for the Lord, but so often it's routine and perfunctory. When my task on earth is finished, will it merely be "done" or will it merit a "well done"? 

Okay, time for a run.