Don’t cut corners. It’s not worth it.

In his rush to finish the apartment building on time, the contractor cut corners. It wasn’t obvious at first, but then the rains came. Right now, there are leaks being repaired all over the building. The tenants are unhappy. The developer is furious. And the short-cutting contractor is spending more time and more money than he would have if he’d just done the job right the first time.

“Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it?” – Jesus (Luke 14:28)

Cutting corners is tempting for a reason. It’s shiny and seductive because shortcuts promise to get us somewhere we want to be more quickly. But shortcuts are like all indulgences—the short term gain will be overwhelmed by the long term cost.

I’m not saying to take the long way. Take the right way.

Do it right the first time.
Be attentive to the details.
Honor the contract.
Play the long game.
Serve with excellence.