Pursuit of Excellence
From You Version
Phil. 4.13
In today’s highly competitive world, we want to be the best at whatever we do. But it is not always easy to do so by ourselves. We need an external power working in and through us – the resurrected Saviour Who lives in us. Frederick W. Robertson says it so well, “What the world calls virtue is a name and a dream without Christ. The foundation of all human excellence must be laid deep in the blood of the Redeemer’s Cross and in the power of His resurrection”.
When we work with the conviction that Christ will work in and through us to fulfil His purpose, we will continue to pursue excellence even when given a boring assignment or in a challenging environment. In contrast, others give up and settle for mediocrity. Pursue excellence, and success will follow. When we pursue excellence, we should do so with the understanding that it is not just about achieving success or being the best. It is about doing our best in everything, knowing that our work reflects who we are and our commitment to Christ.
Paul says in I Corinthians 9:26-27…I’m running hard for the finish line. I am giving it everything I have got. No lazy living for me! I am staying alert and in top condition. I’m not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else all about it, and then missing out myself.
Individuals who believe in personal excellence always compete against themselves and their own performance last time. They are focused on their performance and not letting the environment come in between. Such people always strive to be better next time. And they succeed. When we pursue excellence, we should do so with the understanding that it is not just about achieving success or being the best. It is about doing our best in everything, knowing that our work reflects who we are and our commitment to Christ.
As we strive for excellence, we must remember that it is not something we can achieve on our own. We need the power of the Holy Spirit to help us overcome obstacles and reach our full potential. We should also be willing to learn and grow, seeking feedback and advice from others who can help us improve.
Our pursuit of excellence should not be limited to our work or professional endeavours. We should also strive for excellence in relationships, character, and spiritual life. We should seek to be the best version of ourselves in all areas of our lives.
As the great basketball coach John Wooden said, “Success is peace of mind, which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you made the effort to do the best of which you are capable”.Excellence is not just about knowing what is excellent; it is about pursuing excellence always in every little thing we do. I firmly believe and practise that our work is our signature, our résumé. We are what we do.
As we pursue excellence, we should also be mindful of our motivation. A desire for personal gain or recognition should not drive our pursuit of excellence. Instead, it should be motivated by our desire to honour God and fulfil His purpose.
“The quality of a person’s life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence, regardless of their chosen field of endeavour”. – Vince Lombardi
Let us pray that God will help us pursue excellence in everything. May we be empowered by the Holy Spirit to do our best and to honour God with our lives. May our pursuit of excellence reflect our commitment to Christ and be a witness to those around us.
Lord, help me to pursue excellence in everything I do by Your power working in and through me. Amen