Our Best (Our All)

“Our Best” is a hymn that calls believers to give their very best in service to God. It urges Christians to hear the Master’s call and offer everything — whether their gifts or work be great or small — not for human praise, but as a devotion to the Lord. The refrain emphasizes that while every work for Jesus will be blessed, He asks from everyone “his best, our all.”

The text was written by Salathiel C. Kirk around 1912, and the tune is by Grant Colfax Tullar. It appeared in Sunday School Hymns No. 2, among other hymnals, and has since been used in church services and Sunday schools to motivate faithful service. The meter of the hymn is 10.10.10.10 with refrain, which gives it a stately feel, suited to solemn commitment and worship.

Though not much is recorded about Kirk’s life, what is known is that he lived in Philadelphia and contributed several hymns and religious texts for church and Sunday school settings. The hymn emphasizes Christian stewardship and faithfulness: the idea that though our talents may be small, God values sincere service, and that His promise of rest and reward awaits those who do their best.