Colossians 3:17 says, “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”
God has given us a place of influence. We are stewards of His work, and others are watching for us to reflect Him. He expects us to be excellent even when no one else is watching.
In the “Parable of the Talents,” Jesus expected excellence from everyone regardless of the size of their “talent.” This parable is a perfect example of being excellent with what we have and what we’ve been given.
Excellence is intentional, and it is different from perfection.
Excellence is intentional. It doesn’t just happen. We need to be deliberate in applying ourselves in everything that we do.
Excellence and Perfection are two concepts that often get intertwined, but they have distinct differences:
- Excellence is about striving to be the best possible even within given constraints. It is achievable and is about doing well in the present moment, often involving a degree of flexibility and adaptability.
- Perfection, on the other hand, is the pursuit of an ideal state that is flawless and without any defects. It’s an absolute, often unattainable standard that can be rigid and unforgiving. Perfection focuses more on the end result and can sometimes lead to frustration or disappointment because it’s an elusive goal.
In essence, while excellence is about being outstanding and high-quality within realistic bounds, perfection is about seeking an impeccable state that might not be realistic or necessary for success. Excellence is generally seen as a healthier and more sustainable goal than perfection.
Our New Perspective!
We are stewards of God’s gifts and talents. Therefore, our mindset should shift from “This is mine, and I have to make it perfect” to “What’s the best way to use what I’ve been given to accomplish what He wants me to do?” By doing excellent work, we can also point people to the excellence of God.
Colossians 3:23-24 says, “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.”
Excellence is service + obedience + love.
