I've just come off one of the most inspiring and challenging conversations I've had in years. Talking with our son, Casey, who lives with his wife, Shelby, in Brooklyn, we encouraged one another with the fact of what God has given us and called us to be. Casey is an artist and a musician, who supports his habit by working at FedEx Office. He has a single message that he is at pains to declare to the world: Do unto others. Better. More.

You can improve. There is a power at work within you which is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that you could ever ask or think. Make the most of your opportunities. Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Delight in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. For almost an hour we regaled one another with these very familiar, but oh so-easily-taken-for-granted truths. It was a mountain-top experience, and it left me wondering, Why don't we have more conversations like this?

I don't mean me and Casey, although that would be great. I mean believers generally. Shouldn't we be challenging and urging one another on each day to be better in the Lord, to do more in His holy Name? Shouldn't we be lifting one another up with our conversations, affirming one another's gifts, and redoubling our resolve to love Jesus and bask in His favor in spite of the world's indifference or hostility? Shouldn't we?

Casey's message - the meaning of Casey, as he put it - is simple, but profound: Better. More. Others. You're more than you think you are, and you can be better in every area of your life, every day. You can touch others with God's grace. Never say die. Never give up. Exceeding, abundantly more.

T. M. Moore