I was having a conversation with a young woman the other day, and she said something to me that caused my face to have a look of bewilderment. We were discussing her current relationship with her significant other, someone she has been in a relationship with for about fifteen years. Her face said everything that I needed to hear, but she then echoed, “I’m really not happy with the state of where our relationship is.” She went on to say that he’s a good man, and a great father “but!” My comment to her was, “so, you are just settling?” My question to her was, “why settle?” As she tried to explain her reason, The Holy Spirit said, “that was you a few years ago.

My response! Agreed! I can remember being in a relationship and how long I settled for less than I deserved, and longer than God had planned for my life. That might be where you’re at today. Maybe you don’t really see a need to allow God to stretch you. Maybe you feel as though what’s the use to strive for deeper growth. Well, take it from me. Settling will keep you stuck! Settling will also keep your spiritual life stagnant, which will never sustain you.

Perhaps you are wondering what it means to settle. Merriam-Webster Dictionary states to “settle,” means “to place so as to stay.” Settling in a relationship means staying with a partner despite knowing you could and perhaps should have more or different, but you remain due to fear, convenience, or the belief that this is the best you can do. It involves accepting less than what you genuinely want or deserve, leading to feelings of emptiness, disillusionment, and a sense of being trapped, rather than experiencing a healthy, fulfilling connection built on mutual desire and trust.

Settling spiritually mirrors that which is in the physical sense. In a physical context, we settle in relationships despite knowing we shouldn’t stay, but due to fear, convenience, or the belief that this is the best we can do, we settle. This involves accepting less than what we genuinely want or deserve, leading to feelings of emptiness, disillusionment, and a sense of being trapped, rather than experiencing a healthy, fulfilling connection built on mutual desire and trust. When it comes to us “settling” spiritually; it refers to the danger of settling for less than God's best, leading to spiritual stagnation or complacency.

We don’t have to settle for less than God’s best. We don’t have to settle for a basic level of faith but instead strive for more! Take it to the Next Level by asking God for a deeper understanding of Him, and your purpose. Discovering who you are and knowing what your worth is in Christ helps to eliminate settling. Self-discovery is what Paul had in mind when he penned, “It’s in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for.” (Ephesians 1:11 MSG)

• Do not settle for a mediocre life! Here are some reasons why you should not settle for less than God’s best: Lowered Self-Esteem: Consistently accepting less than you deserve chips away at your self-worth, leading you to believe you aren't capable of more or that you don't deserve better.
• Dissatisfaction and Regret: Settling often means choosing the easy or comfortable option over what truly makes you happy, leading to a life of dissatisfaction and long-term regret.
• Unhealthy Relationships: Staying in relationships that don't meet your needs or reflect your desires can lead to unhappiness and a constant questioning of your self-worth.
• Unfulfillment: While settling might provide a sense of safety or certainty, it fails to ignite your passions or connect you with your true self and the things that bring deep fulfillment.

Please understand that you have what it takes, it’s already inside of you! Do not live your life incomplete and unfulfilled. You have settled in your comfortability and complacency long enough. There’s so much greatness in you.

Key Take-aways on how to avoid settling:

• Recognize Your Value: Understand your inherent worth in God and don't let others or circumstances convince you that you deserve less.
• Focus on Your Purpose and Desires: Seek God in making decisions that reflect what He has for you. Seek His wisdom so that your desires and purpose align with His.
• Embrace Growth: Understand that as you grow and learn, your values and worth increase, so there is no logical reason to stop striving for what you deserve.

Lastly, remember to never settle for less, when you are destined for more!