Why B+ is > A+

Who was the kid in your class who always downplayed their success on tests, quizzes, or final exams?

You know, the one who said, “Ugh, I totally failed,” and then pulled a 98?

Do you have that person in your head? Alright, if not… you might be that person. And if so, we probably wouldn't have gotten along. I'm kidding… kind of.

School was never easy for me. Quite the opposite, actually. But that never stopped me from working hard. (Also, does winning the Math Olympics in 5th grade mean anything to anyone else besides me? Just me? Cool.)

But this isn't about report cards or classrooms.

It’s about the scorecard of life and how we’ve been measuring it all wrong.

A mentor of mine, Steve Graves, talks about the Composite Scorecard of Life — the idea that we all have multiple categories that make up the whole of who we are: work, relationships, faith, health, finances, and rest.

Each of those areas has a "grade" or, a level of health. And since our time, energy, and focus are limited, we have to choose where our A's go and be honest about where we're unintentionally pulling an F.

Somewhere along the way, you were sold the lie that you could be excellent in every category. That the “good life” means straight A’s across the board:

• A+ in health

• A+ in your work

• A+ in friendships

• A+ in your savings

• A+ in your hobbies

• A+ in your marriage

• A+ in your parenting

• A+ in your leadership

• A+ in time management

• A+ in your spiritual health

• A+ in church engagement

• A+ in your individual ministry

I think you get the point.

Your work life might soar, but your spiritual life dries up. Your workouts are dialed in, but your friendships are distant. You're leading everyone else, but your own soul is worn thin.

That’s not success. That’s fragmentation.

And Jesus asked the piercing question:

"What does it profit a person to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?" (Mark 8:36)

I believe you are being called to something greater, and maybe even something more sustainable.

So, what if God isn't asking you to max out every category?

Actually… I’ll go as far as to say you can’t.

What if God is calling you to live not with extreme excellence but with faithful balance?

Let me say it plainly:

A B+ life across the board is more faithful than an A+ life in just one or two areas.

Here’s what a B+ life might look like:

• Career: You’re growing, but not at the expense of health or family.

• Faith: You show up consistently — not perfectly, but with presence.

• Friendships: You make space for connection, even if it’s not every week.

• Health: You move, rest, and eat without guilt or extremes.

• Finances: You’re stewarding well, even if you’re not dominating spreadsheets.

• Marriage: There is consistency in communication and depth, not constant frustration.

Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 4:2:

"Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful."

Not exceptional.

Not impressive.

Faithful.

You don’t need straight A’s to be who God has called you to be. The pursuit of perfection may pull you away from what He values most.

Take a moment to reflect:

• Where are you striving for an A+ and burning out in the process? Where are you unintentionally getting a D or F?

Maybe your spiritual life is running on autopilot. Maybe your body or emotions are breaking down. Maybe you're always “on,” but never still.

Now ask yourself:

• What would it look like to aim for a faithful B+ in every area instead?

Not perfect, but present. Not crushing it, but consistent. Not impressive, but sustainable.

Ecclesiastes 4:6 offers a quiet invitation:

"Better is one handful with quietness than two handfuls with toil and chasing after the wind."

The whole life God desires for you isn't about perfection. It’s about presence, wisdom, and rhythm.

Jesus lived with urgent purpose, yet never with a frantic pace.

You don’t need to perform your way into peace. You need to walk closely with the One who gives it.

Practice the below this week:

• Honestly grade yourself in the big areas of life.

• Be okay with having grades all over the board.

• Identify one area where an A+ could become a B+.

• Trade some time and energy from a D or C area and raise it toward a B.

• Ask: Is this pursuit costing me something important elsewhere?

• Take one small, intentional step toward faithfulness,  not perfection.

Scripture to carry:

"Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28, NIV)

As always, let us know how we can help you navigate your world as you navigate the world.

In Your Corner.

See you next Tuesday!