Your Best Foot Forward

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” Colossians 3:23-24

When you get started on something new, you may hear or recall the phrase, “Put your best foot forward.” It’s an odd saying, as it implies one has more than two feet (grammatically we should say, “put your better foot forward”). But the words have stuck. The phrase was used by Shakespeare, but it actually dates back further, to at least 1495, and relates to those who would bow or curtsy before royalty—the King or the Queen.

When young ladies curtsied and young men bowed, they were advised to “put their best foot forward” to make the best curtsy or bow possible. One did not approach the King or Queen with any less than their best. People are indeed left- or right-footed, just as they are left- or right-handed. Those who would come before their leaders were taught to put forward their “best” foot, depending on whether they were left- or right-footed. Today we use the phrase to indicate embarking on a journey or task with purpose—gusto! Your very best effort.

As you embark on your spiritual journey for the coming year, resolve to put your best foot forward in your relationship with God. Don’t be halfhearted. God deserves the very best. As our Heavenly Father, we treat Him with the respect He is due. We are to give him our best time, our best effort, our best thinking, the first fruits of our labors. If you haven’t done this up until now, don’t worry. There’s no better time to start than now.

God, this year I resolve to put my best foot forward in my relationship with You. Guide me to use my best time, talents and resources to further Your Kingdom and Your purpose for my life. May I be an example to my family and friends of a person who lives for You daily in every important way. Amen.