The phrase ‘highest and best’ is used in economics, particularly in real estate, and it means, “the reasonably probable and legal use of vacant land or an improved property that is physically possible, appropriately supported, financially feasible, and that results in the highest value.” To put it simply, “what’s the highest value and best use for this piece of property.” I like to use this in thinking about how we go about serving God. On an individual level, someone should ask themselves how they can serve God to their utmost best, given what talents and abilities they currently have, and how they can better serve Him by continually improving themselves. This could apply on a group level as well, as with a church. A church is made up of individuals, each with their own area of talent and expertise. How can we best utilize each one in order to realize the highest functionality of the church? To get the most out of this philosophy, we must be willing to both constantly reassess ourselves and be willing to make improvements. Resting on our laurels is a sure-fire way to stagnate and then decline. This is a biblical principle as well. Consider Paul in saying, “…forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead…” (Phil. 3:13-14).
