Some people have been conditioned to think they can never please others. This can lead to an “at-leaster” mindset; someone that tries just enough to get by, because they doubt success is possible.
In Jesus’ Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25:24, the lazy servant was an “at-leaster.” He rationalized, “Master, he said, I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed. So I was afraid and went out and hid your talent in the ground.”
The other two servants gave 100% effort, and doubled the master’s money, while the “at-leaster” gave minimal effort, because he feared his efforts wouldn’t measure up anyway.
How much effort do you give to your work? 100%, or just enough to get by?
