Stepping Stones: The 60/60 Rule

December 30, 2011

Transformational Thought

Yes, that big snowstorm did hit, 8-12 inches here, and we lost power for almost 48 hours, so the weathermen get some extra grace. As I was driving through our quaint little borough, everybody was hard at work clearing small branches that had broken off and whole trees that had collapsed under the weight of the snow, and so many people were out shoveling their own walks and driveways as well as the public sidewalks.

Watching this, I was reminded of the old rule I learned as a kid from my grandfather while mowing his lawn, the 60/60 rule. You might know it by a different name, but it goes something like this. When doing some work next to a property line, don’t just work up to the property line, work past the line and do some of your neighbor’s property. The other application is when you are working with someone in a project, don’t just complete 50% each, but try to do 60% each. When both parties have this mentality, the job or project is more enjoyable, and the relationship flourishes.

You see, while 60/60 has many advantages, our natural tendency is to just do our own and stop at 50/50. If you operate under the 50/50 rule, meaning, you do your part and I’ll do mine, not any more than you have to, many things fall between the cracks. When people shoot for the 50% mark they may cut a few corners and unintentionally fall short…or purposely act a little stingy. When I do 60%, I am ensuring an overlap so that nothing falls through the crack. If we both do 60%, we can guarantee nothing falls through the crack.

How thankful we should be that God doesn’t just give 50% or even 60%. He gave 100% for our salvation, and then continues giving and forgiving 100%…over and over…extending more and accepting the small percentage that we offer back.

I never see the Bible say, “Well, just meet them half way.” In fact, Jesus says we are to die to ourselves. That sounds like we need to be in 100%.

Today, think about the difference it would make in your life if you and those around you followed the 60/60 rule. Go ahead, give 60% today, and see what happens. Think about doing 60% instead of your half of the work…paying 60% of the dinner check…accepting 60% of the blame for that fractured relationship. Now, how about with God? Can you give more in gratitude for the 100% He sacrificed for you? Your decision, so choose well.

Prayer
Dear Father God, I admit, Father, that I am often guilty of not doing my fair share, not taking my fair share of the blame…and letting things “fall through the cracks.” I pray, Lord, that you will fill me with Your Spirit so that I have the strength and mindset to always do more than my fair share. I pray this in the name of the One who always gave His 100%, Jesus Christ; And all God’s children say - AMEN!

The Truth
And all that believed were together, and had all things common; and sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
Acts 2:44-47

But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion. He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him. And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, 'Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.'
Luke 10:33-35