I am a Maximalist

I have been accused of being a perfectionist. I like to do things well, I want to do things right. I am demanding–of myself and of others (perhaps too much of others). But I do not see myself as a perfectionist. It would be more accurate to say that I am a maximalist.
Especially in matters of Christianity, perfectionism is a dead-end approach. The “too hard” gospel leads to perfectionism and legalism. The “too soft” gospel leads to a false liberty and freedom. I am saved by grace; I am not saved by works. I will not receive my reward because I live a good Christian life. (I was amazed to hear this statement at a recent funeral.)
But these observations do not say that my actions are unimportant. I am committed to works of faith, not works of merit. I am committed to faithful obedience. I must do the best I can—that is the nature of loyalty and faithfulness. I cannot shortcut my faith response to Jesus my Lord. I do not rest in grace as an excuse for anything less than my best. I do not ask how little I can get by with. I will give everything I can; that is total commitment. The total commitment folks of the late 1990s were right in teaching, but wrong in practice. Christianity requires maximum commitment—anything less than my maximum fails to meet the Bible definitions of authentic discipleship.