The Pursuit of Excellence
Excellence is defined as “The state, quality, or condition of excelling; superiority.” The word excel is defined as “to do or be better than; surpass; to show superiority, surpass others.” - American Heritage Dictionary
Although competition and being superior are very prominent in the definitions above, this is not how we should look at the word ‘excellent’ from a biblical standpoint.
Biblically speaking, the pursuit of excellence refers to pursuing and doing the best we can with the gifts and abilities God gives, giving our best to the glory of God. But ideally, it is done without the spirit of competition or seeking to excel simply to be better than others. Excellence includes doing common, everyday things, but in very uncommon ways regardless of whether people are watching. The reality is that God sees our work and rewards us accordingly (cf. 1 Cor. 15:58).
“Success means being the best. Excellence means being your best. Success, to many, means being better than everyone else. Excellence means being better tomorrow than you were yesterday. Success means exceeding the achievements of other people. Excellence means matching your practice with your potential.” - Brian Harbour
PURSUING EXCELLENCE SHOULD NOT BE LIMITED BY THE NATURE OF THE TASK.
Why do your best when you’re doing menial work? because in the long run, it reflects on the glory of God &, ultimately, you will be rewarded by Him.
(1 Corinthians 10:31, 1 Corinthians 15:58: So then, dear brothers and sisters, be firm. Do not be moved! Always be outstanding ( perisseuo, “abounding, doing over and above, excelling) in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.)
PURSUING EXCELLENCE IS AN ALL-INCLUSIVE PURSUIT
-1 Corinthians 10:31, Ecclesiastes 9:10
-Besides encouraging his readers to enjoy life as God enabled them, Solomon also encouraged them to work diligently. The idiom whatever your hand finds to do means “whatever you are able to do” (cf. 1 Sam. 10:7).86
If it is a task worth doing, it is a task worth doing right and diligently.
diligence = showing care towards one’s work
PURSUING EXCELLENCE IS A MATTER OF A WHOLE-HEARTED ENDEAVOR
- MOTIVES The quest for character requires that certain things be kept in the heart as well as kept from the heart. An unguarded heart spells disaster. A well-guarded heart means survival. If you hope to survive the jungle, overcoming each treacherous attack, you’ll have to guard your heart.
Why pursue excellence?
Simply because God called us to be excellent.