EXCELLENCE – PURSUE IT PASSIONATELY

Excellence, even before it becomes a trait and a habit, it has to become first, an attitude, that influences every aspect of our thoughts, words and deeds. Such an attitude or an approach is, a reflection of our heart, its desires, its intent, its motives, its passion, its way of thinking, and  its way of living. It is good to note though, attitude can be right and wrong; good and bad; helpful and detrimental – hence, we ought to tread its paths, carefully and wisely, well within the biblical moral boundaries and values, as defined by our LORD, in the Bible.
– “The pursuit of excellence from a biblical world view is always connected with the issue of God’s values and priorities. This means the pursuit of excellence must include the elimination of some things even though they may be good and legitimate. The principle is are they the best and will they get in the way or hinder the main objectives of a Christian’s life based on biblical principles and values? If so, they need to be eliminated. We see this truth in Paul’s statement in 1 Corinthians 10:23, “All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful, but not all things edify” (see also 1 Cor. 6:12). Just because they are legitimate does not mean they should be chosen or pursued.” – J. Hampton Keathley III

Here is what the Bible says about excellence, and we better pay attention to it. These are the words, straight from the heart of God, our Creator, and our Redeemer.
– “29 Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.” – Proverbs 22:29
– “10 Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.” – Ecclesiastes 9:10
– “23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; 24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.” – Colossians 3:22

Excellence is the heartbeat of God. Look around and see all what God has created. It is beautiful, amazing and excellent. When we read from Genesis, we see what is written there about God’s passion for excellence…
– “31 And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was VERY GOOD. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.” – Genesis 1:31

Let us also know that, there is a difference between excellence and perfection. Let us remember to make this distinction between excellence and perfection. They both look to be same, but, but they are worlds apart. Sadly, sometimes it is difficult to see the difference between them, and hence we commit errors, and at times blunders. Each of us are prone to fall for this error, at some point or the other. Let us not give up, but continue to pursue excellence, and not perfection. The ability to see the difference between these two, comes only through experience, and many lessons learnt through failures.
– “The pursuit of excellence is gratifying and healthy. The pursuit of perfection is frustrating, neurotic, and a terrible waste of time.” – Edwin Bliss

May the LORD help us to passionately pursue excellence, both patiently and persistently. At the same time, be watchful and mindful to mind the difference between excellence and perfection. Also, let us not wastefully pursue things, that are not worthy from a kingdom perspective. May the LORD grant us His grace to glorify Him through our passionate pursuit of excellence. Even so, the LORD help us.